Flu is widespread, few cases confirmed on Vashon so far

Published 1:30 am Tuesday, January 16, 2018

The flu has been making frequent headlines, with reports of widespread illness in nearly all states.

So far, however, it seems that Vashon has been spared the worst, with the Neighborcare clinic reporting just four confirmed cases as of late last week. Not everyone goes to the doctor when they are sick, and some choose to see a doctor elsewhere, but clinic medical director Jessica Wesch said providers there have seen mostly colds — people affected by a rhinovirus or the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), which causes croup in babies and young children.

While Vashon may have been lucky so far, there is plenty of flu season left, and Wesch strongly encourages those who have not been vaccinated to get the flu vaccine. Even though the vaccine has been widely reported to be a poor match this year, Wesch said it still reduces the severity of symptoms if people do come down with the illness.

If someone is sick and suspects the flu, Wesch advises staying home from work or school, taking ibuprofin or Tylenol and drinking plenty of fluids.

She stressed the last point.

“That is really important,” she said. “You need to let your body flush it out.”

If breathing becomes difficult or someone cannot keep food or fluids down, they should call their health care provider.

Flu symptoms can include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills, fatigue, diarrhea and vomiting.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provides a weekly influenza report. The most recent, which ended on Jan. 6, showed that Washington was among the many states where flu is widespread.

Public Health — Seattle & King County also provides a weekly flu report. Its most recent, also ending Jan. 6, states that the number of visits to King County emergency departments for flu-like illnesses is above baseline levels but is comparable to the five-year average for this time of year. Additionally, it states that pediatric patients made up the largest proportion of emergency room visits for flu symptoms.

On Vashon, Wesch noted that the Neighborcare clinic reserves 16 to 25 same-day appointments for those who need to be seen quickly. Additionally, beginning next Monday, the clinic will expand its hours so that it will be open 30 minutes longer — until 6 p.m. — four days a week. Each provider will take a turn working late, she added.

The extended hours are intended to increase access for patients and bring in more patients to the clinic.

As of Jan. 22, clinic hours will be 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday; 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Wednesday and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday.