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KEARNEY — As flu season ramps up across Nebraska, new CHI Health data shows Influenza A is the dominant respiratory virus circulating right now and activity is still increasing.
“Based on thousands of tests across CHI Health hospitals and clinics, nearly one in four flu tests are now positive for Influenza A,” per CHI Health.
“The holidays may be over, but respiratory illness certainly isn’t,” says Dr. Michael Schooff, primary care medical director with CHI Health Clinic. “Right now, Influenza A is what we’re seeing most, and it’s what’s driving the worst illness in our communities.”
Influenza A continues to climb, on Christmas week about 20 percent of flu tests positive and by New Year’s week nearly 25 percent of flu tests positive.
At the moment, COVID-19 remains steady with about one in ten PCR tests are still coming back positive, per CHI Health.
RSV and Influenza B remain low, with RSV under 5 percent positivity and Influenza B under one percent systemwide, CHI Health reported.
“We expect cases of influenza and other respiratory illnesses to continue increasing as people return to work, school, and daily routines after traveling and gathering over the holidays,” Dr. Schooff adds. “We’re seeing widespread transmission, and many patients are surprised by how hard this flu is hitting.”
CHI Health recommend that it is not too late to get a flu shot, to stay home when sick to slow the spread, seek care early since antivirals work best when started within 48 hours of developing symptoms and watch for worsening symptoms, especially in kids, older adults and those with chronic conditions.
