Flu FAQ with Dr. Chris Snyder

Does it seem like everyone you know is sick? Flu cases are on the rise on Delmarva and beyond. This increase led to TidalHealth implementing a temporary masking requirement Jan. 2.  

The Maryland Department of Health’s influenza dashboard shows respiratory illness activity is high. So far this flu season across the state, more than 1,900 patients have been hospitalized for this illness and seven have died. Of those testing positive, the vast majority have influenza A (flu A). 

Have questions about the flu? Get answers from Chris Snyder, DO, chief quality officer at TidalHealth.   

1. It seems the flu has already been bad this year. What are you seeing at TidalHealth Peninsula Regional?

In the last two weeks, we have had a significant increase in flu-related admission and Emergency Department visits.

2. What is different about flu A this year than past years of the flu? 

There is not a lot of difference; mostly cold and upper respiratory symptoms, but there are also other viruses creating gastrointestinal problems, complicating the influenza A. Influenza A is mostly respiratory in nature.

3. How is this flu A strain spreading? Is it spreading in the same ways or different than past flu strains? 

There is no difference in the way it spreads, and the best ways to keep the flu from spreading are good hand hygiene and isolation.  Mask wearing in enclosed environments might also be helpful.

4. Is this strain of the flu more contagious than other flu and/or other illnesses, or not? 

Unfortunately, all viruses this time of year are contagious.

5. What are the best ways to protect yourself from the flu? 

Good hand hygiene, mask-wearing and avoiding crowds. 

6. Is it too late to get a flu vaccine?

You can still get the vaccine; it just takes a couple weeks for it to be active.  Remember, the vaccine does not stop you from getting the illness — it just reduces the symptoms.

7. Is it possible to get this year’s Flu A strain twice?

More than likely not.