Infectious Diseases

The Division of Infectious Diseases at Newton-Wellesley Hospital offers inpatient consultations for a variety of infections and illnesses, including community-acquired pneumonia, infections arising from surgery, infections related to childbirth and lactation, infections in patients with compromised immunity, parasitic infestations, and infections related to travel.

Phone: 617-243-6597 | Fax: 617-243-6575

Information on the Flu

The flu is a contagious respiratory illness that can cause mild to severe illness. In certain cases, outcomes of flu can lead to hospitalization or even death. Older people, young children, and those with other health conditions are at a higher risk of flu complications.

Flu season usually begins in October and can last as late as May. Flu activity typically peaks between December and February. The 2018 season is particularly severe and is widespread in all 50 states. Here’s what you should know:

1.  If you’ve not already done so, get the flu vaccination. Flu season can last through late spring or even into the summer, so it’s not too late. 
2. If you cough or sneeze, do so into your sleeve, a handkerchief or a tissue. Then, wash or disinfect your hands.
3. Frequent hand washing or disinfecting with alcohol-based hand rubs is an important way to stay healthy during the flu and cold season.
4. If you become ill, please contact your primary care provider. 
5. Antiviral medication such as Tamiflu may be prescribed, especially for young children, the elderly, and those with chronic medical conditions.

Newton-Wellesley Flu Update from Dr. Mark Drapkin

Today, someone asked me in the corridor, “How are things going with the flu?”  I replied, “Nationally we’re starting to see a slight dip – but here at NWH it’s still going strong.”  In fact, just last week we still had 16 inpatients in house with documented flu – a really big number for us.  So the flu is still going strong.

1.  Here is data from the CDC as of Feb. 22: https://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/index.htm#S2.  As you can see, yes, there has been a small dip in deaths – but they are still far above the epidemic threshold.  And U.S. deaths in children are up to 97 this flu season – as many as occurred in the entire flu season last year. Half of these kids were healthy, with no asthma or other risk factors.
2. How well has the vaccine been doing this flu season? Overall, effectiveness is estimated at about 36%.  For A-H3N2 it’s been about 25%. For influenza B, however, it is higher at 42% and for A-H1N1, even higher at 67%.  As we get later in the season, B increases – about one quarter of the flu here at NWH in hospitalized patients last week has been B.  And a recent study showed that if you get the flu despite having been immunized, the disease is less severe: https://www.cdc.gov/flu/spotlights/vaccine-reduces-severe-outcomes.htm. So it still pays to get the shot.
3. What about Massachusetts?  Flu is still widespread and in high intensity, although some areas, including our inner Metro Boston area, have seen a bit of a drop: http://blog.mass.gov/publichealth/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2018/02/Weekly-Flu-Report-02-23-2018.pdf.
4. What are the prospects for a better type of vaccine?  While research is proceeding on creating a “universal vaccine” – one whose protection will last for years – I cannot see it being available for at least the next few years.  Meanwhile, I do think that we will see more vaccine that does not rely on growing the virus in eggs.  We now know that you can put the “right” virus into an egg, but by the time it is harvested to make the vaccine, it has changed to be less good.  Even so, it’s much better than no vaccine!
5. How long will this flu season last?  It’s anyone’s guess.  In recent years cases have occurred well into May and even into June.  We thus may not be able to relax our visitor and mask restrictions for a while, depending on how the epidemic plays out.

Remember, f you’ve not yet gotten your shot please do so, even now.  Be well.

-Dr. Mark Drapkin, the Immunizer