The number of flu-like illnesses remains high in the state, even though the Louisiana Department of Health said they are starting to see the number of cases decrease over the last four weeks. LSU Health New Orleans Infectious Disease Specialist Dr. Fred Lopez said the strain of flu they are seeing in patients is included in the current flu shot.
“Unfortunately, less than 50% of adults received the vaccine against the flu, and yet when there’s a good match like there is this year it should be particularly effective,” said Lopez.
LDH reports hospitalizations for flu remain elevated with 139 new admissions for the week of January 14th through the 20th. The positivity rate for flu is at 12%, which is a decrease from the previous reporting week of 16%. Lopez encourages eligible Louisianans to get their flu shot, even if they’ve already had the flu this season.
“Because even if they’ve had the flu, it’s possible that later in the season a different strain will emerge that’s included in the vaccine and you’ll be protected against it,” said Lopez.
Lopez said even if you’ve had a flu vaccine, you can still catch influenza but know that the shot is designed to decrease the severity of the illness.
In addition to the flu and flu-like illnesses, Lopez said COVID cases seem to have peaked for the time being.
“We’ve recently been in a surge of COVID infections which looks like it might have plateaued, but we’re still seeing a significant amount of COVID and flu out there,” said Lopez.
Lopez encourages individuals to get their COVID booster shots and he anticipates there will be an increase in respiratory illnesses as a result of Mardi Gras and the colder weather forcing people to stay indoors.
Comments