Influenza has entered the month of March like a lion, and Clark County residents are crossing their fingers that it will leave like a lamb.
Even though winter is nearing an end, influenza is still circulating through the county.
“We’ve seen increases in the last couple of weeks in Clark County,” said Marni Storey, county public health services manager.
Even though the flu is a nonreportable illness, based on the number of laboratory tests being conducted and the number of positive test results, “It does appear definitely to be on the increase,” Storey said.
But the uptick is no reason for alarm. The number of people with the sniffles and sneezes isn’t any higher than usual than most winters, she said.
The flu is widespread in the state and will likely stick around through the rest of the month, state health officials predict. Flu levels are elevated across the country.
“It’s just starting to increase,” Storey said, “so if you haven’t been vaccinated, this is a good time.”
The variety of flu in widest circulation, H3N3 influenza, was included in vaccinations prepared for this flu season, Storey said.
Public health officials are also encouraging people to practice good hygiene: Cover coughs, wash hands regularly and use hand sanitizer when soap and water aren’t available. In addition, people with a fever or respiratory symptoms are urged to stay home from work and school to prevent spreading the illness, Storey said.
Clark County Public Health officials recently completed an investigation into an influenza outbreak at a Vancouver long-term care facility. Staff members and about 40 percent of the residents all came down with the bug, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Some residents were hospitalized, but Storey said the residents are considered a vulnerable population.
Flu deaths have occurred in Washington this year, but nobody has died from influenza in Clark County.
