Alaska sees rise in flu cases, state epidemiologist gives prevention advice

FAIRBANKS, Alaska (KTUU/KTVF) - Alaska is experiencing a rise in flu cases, following a surge in RSV cases this winter season, according to state data.

So far, flu cases peaked in early March, with nearly 1,000 cases reported statewide.

As the spread continues, Alaska Epidemiologist, Dr. Joe McLaughlin said there are various means of protecting yourself from the illness.

“We are higher than the previous three seasons,” McLaughlin said.

The increase in reported cases has also come with a higher percentage of emergency room visits being listed as respiratory-related, according to state data.

Higher ER visits are an indication of the severity of the flu strain that is currently in circulation, McLaughlin said.

“The H3N2 strain of influenza A tends to be more serious than H1N1,” McLaughlin explained.

He also added that both have been in circulation this year —H1N1 is often called Swine Flu.

He said that while the severity of the strain plays a role in hospital visits related to the flu, those numbers “are closely associated with vaccination rates in the population.”

“That’s why we really encourage people to consider getting vaccinated,” said McLaughlin. “Those vaccines are effective at decreasing the severity and duration of infection, and they may both do also prevent infection itself.”

Other ways of protecting yourself from the virus include wearing a mask, frequent hand washing, and using air purifiers as the flu is spread with droplets, according to the CDC.

To get ahead of fighting the illness or preventing further spread of the flu, most communities in the state have access to rapid tests, McLaughlin said.

He also said despite the increase in activity in Alaska, flu cases are decreasing in most other states. This trend could continue and could extend to Alaska, but McLaughlin said that isn’t a guarantee.

“We might see influenza activity continue to decrease for the next several weeks to months and then it might increase again,” McLaughlin said.

That can be caused by a surge in a different flu strain. McLaughlin said if that is the case, getting the flu vaccine after a first spike is still a good idea.

“The flu vaccine does protect you against both influenza A and influenza B viruses,” he said.

Another reason another surge could arise is from the state’s large tourism industry.

That industry is top of mind for McLaughlin as he said travel to Alaska as summer tourism begins could bring in measles. He cited that as his number one concern moving out of the flu season.

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