The New Mexico Department of Health is reporting the first lab-confirmed cases of influenza for the 2015 – 2016 season. The three cases were reported in women, ages 54, 68, and 77, from Bernalillo county. The 68 and 77 year olds were hospitalized for treatment, and are now out of the hospital. The first flu case last season was reported in September.
“Flu season can be unpredictable; it’s nearly impossible to predict how severe a flu season will be or when cases will peak. Getting a flu vaccine is the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones from influenza,” said Department of Health Cabinet Secretary Retta Ward, MPH. “Washing your hands frequently is another good way to prevent contracting influenza and other viruses that may be circulating.”
The CDC says a recent analysis of the flu strains making their way around the U.S. andelsewhereindicates that the vaccine on-hand will be effective.
New Mexicans should contact either their primary care provider of their pharmacy to make an appointment to get vaccinated. The Department recommends everyone six months and older get vaccinated each flu season, especially people in the following groups because they are at high risk of having serious flu-related complications or because they live with or care for people at high risk for developing flu-related complications:
- Children younger than 5, but especially children younger than 2 years old
- Pregnant women (any trimester)
- People age 65 and older
- People of any age with medical conditions like asthma, diabetes, lung or heart disease, and those who are immunocompromised
- People who live in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities
- People who live with or care for those at high risk for complications from flu
- American Indians and Alaskan Natives
- People who are morbidly obese
- Healthcare personnel
People in these groups should also consider seeing their health care provider as early as possible to be evaluated for antiviral medication if they develop flu symptoms because the sooner that these medications are begun, the better the chance of preventing serious complications. People who have the flu may have some or all of the following symptoms:
- Fever or feeling feverish/chills
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Muscle or body aches
- Headaches
- Fatigue (tiredness)
- Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults.
Each year, flu vaccine arrives in waves, and many providers and pharmacies in the state have it in stock now. Due to manufacturing, shipments of FluMist doses, which are used for children 2 to 18 years old, are arriving slower than in previous years.
To find out about flu vaccination clinics throughout New Mexico, you can call the Immunization Hotline toll free at 1-866-681-5872 or check out the HealthMap Vaccine Finder to see where the vaccine is being offered. You can find more information about flu and flu vaccines in the Influenza Vaccinations section of our website.
Information from NMDOH