Title: Alaska Experiences Early Flu Season, Urges Public to Get Vaccinated
Subtitle: Cases on the rise in the state, prompting reminders from public health officials about the importance of early influenza vaccinations.
Anchorage, Alaska – With the arrival of colder weather, Alaska is being hit by an early flu and cold season, leading to increased concerns from public health officials about the importance of getting vaccinated against the influenza virus. The state is experiencing a busier and earlier flu season than in recent years, prompting experts to advise Alaskans to act promptly.
Anna Frick, an epidemiologist with the Alaska Department of Health, highlighted the urgency of the situation, stating, “It’s here, it’s in multiple parts of the state, and seems to be on the rise. So now is a great time to go get that shot.”
Typically, peak flu season in Alaska occurs around December and January. However, this year, cases have been steadily rising since late September, indicating an early onset. According to the state’s weekly respiratory virus bulletin, there were 380 lab-confirmed influenza cases in the previous week, compared to 259 the week before and 205 the week prior.
This trend appears to be unique to Alaska, as flu seasons in the Lower 48 states have yet to take off. Frick suggested that the early arrival of the flu might be attributed to the cold and wet weather in recent weeks, which has kept people indoors for longer durations.
Fortunately, no significant surges in other respiratory illnesses, including respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and COVID-19, have been observed in the state thus far.
Influenza is a viral infection that primarily affects the respiratory system, making anyone susceptible to contracting the flu. However, young children, older adults, and individuals with chronic illnesses are particularly vulnerable to severe cases.
The mild flu seasons recorded in the first two years of the pandemic were likely due to pandemic precautions such as social distancing and masking, which inadvertently mitigated the spread of the flu. Frick explained, “A lot of the things we were doing to disrupt the spread of COVID would have also disrupted the spread of flu.”
Last year’s flu and RSV season was particularly harsh nationwide, leading to full pediatric units in hospitals across Alaska. To combat RSV, two new vaccines for older adults and a new monoclonal antibody treatment for infants and young children have been approved for use, providing additional protection against the virus.
Health officials are hopeful that these newly approved protections will result in significantly fewer hospitalizations in Alaska this year. They encourage high-risk individuals to consult with their healthcare providers to discuss their vaccination options and avail themselves of the available defenses against RSV.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that individuals aged six months and older receive the flu shot by the end of October, as this is typically when the flu season begins to intensify.
To facilitate access to vaccinations, private-sector doses of the flu vaccine are widely available in pharmacies across Alaska, often free with insurance coverage. The public can also visit the Alaska Department of Health’s website to locate nearby health centers that offer the flu vaccine.
As winter approaches and the flu season gains momentum, being proactive and receiving the flu shot early will significantly reduce the risk of contracting and spreading the influenza virus in Alaska. Stay safe, protect yourself, and ensure the well-being of your community by getting vaccinated today.