St. Luke's Hospital sees first flu cases of the year

February 19, 2009 
 
St. Luke’s Hospital has had its first positive flu tests of the year. According to the St. Luke’s Laboratory eight people tested positive for Influenza A and one person tested positive for Influenza B last week.

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) there are two main types of influenza (flu) virus: Types A and B. Influenza A and B viruses are responsible for seasonal flu epidemics each year. Influenza A viruses can be broken down into sub-types. Over the course of a flu season, different types (A & B) and subtypes of influenza A viruses can circulate and cause illness.

The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by flu viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. The flu is different from a cold. The flu usually comes on suddenly and may include these symptoms:

· Fever (usually high)

· Headache

· Extreme tiredness

· Dry cough

· Sore throat

· Runny or stuffy nose

· Muscle aches

· Stomach symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, also can occur but are more common in children than adults

These symptoms are usually referred to as "flu-like symptoms."

According to the CDC most people who get influenza will recover in a few days to less than two weeks, but some people will develop life-threatening complications (such as pneumonia) as a result of the flu. Millions of people in the United States — about 5 percent to 20 percent of U.S. residents — will get influenza each year. An average of about 36,000 people per year in the United States die from influenza, and more than 200,000 have to be admitted to the hospital as a result of influenza.

Anyone can get the flu (even healthy people), and serious problems from influenza can happen at any age. People age 65 years and older, people of any age with chronic medical conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease), pregnant women, and young children are more likely to experience complications from influenza.

MEDIA CONTACT: Sarah Corizzo, St. Luke’s Hospital, 319/369-8372 or 319/560-2385.