The flu has arrived earlier than usual in Maine this season, prompting health officials to ramp up their annual push for vaccination against the illness.
Multiple hospitals in the state have reported positive lab tests for influenza, according to a Sept. 13 alert issued to health providers by the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention.
Two cases confirmed by further testing included an individual who had recently traveled outside the country and another who had not, indicating that the illness is circulating both within Maine and abroad.
One of the individuals was hospitalized, according to the alert.
The flu season typically begins in early October, but health officials are urging patients to get vaccinated earlier than usual because the illness is already present in Maine. The illness’ spread typically peaks in January and February but can continue into May.
Both Influenza A and B strains are circulating nationally. This season’s quadrivalent flu vaccine, which protects against four strains of the illness, is likely to be effective against them, according to health officials. If that vaccine is not readily available, the CDC recommends getting the trivalent vaccine, which protects against three strains, as soon as possible.
How well the vaccine protects against influenza varies from season to season and can depend on the individual. The vaccine is reformulated each year to match emerging strains of the illness.
The County is pleased to feature content from our sister company, Bangor Daily News. To read the rest of “Flu arrives early in Maine,” an article by contributing Bangor Daily News staff writer Jackie Farwell, please follow this link to the BDN online.
