NORMAN — It’s not even winter, but the influenza virus has arrived.
Norman Regional Health System spokesperson Kelly Wells said four Influenza A cases and three Influenza B have been reported. in the past month, at least two people have been hospitalized.
Emergency room physicians haven’t treated many flu cases, but doctors are still prepared for the cold and flu season.
Dr. Jason Benn, D.O., who works in NRHS emergency departments, treated patients at the Norman Regional HealthPlex on Tuesday.
“We haven’t had a huge influx,” Benn said. “Nothing like we had last year.”
Benn said he has talked with Urgent Care physicians, who reported the same trend.
“It’s unseasonably warm, and that helps us,” he said.
Benn said he expects the emergency departments to fill up with influenza patients once the temperatures turn cooler.
“I have a feeling we will get it,” he said.
Benn believes the reason influenza cases aren’t nearly as high as they were last year is because people are taking precautions and getting immunized. the flu vaccine is one of the best defenses.
“That’s front-line, according to the CDC,” Benn said. “It covers the most probable strains of flu that are going to come out.”
Benn said this year’s vaccine covers the H1N1 strain that sickened people in 2009.
Influenza symptoms encompass many illnesses, Benn said. however, the symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, body aches, chills and fatigue.
Anyone who comes down with a cold or flu should drink lots of fluids and get plenty of rest, Benn said.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, children younger than 5, adults older than 65 years and those with chronic disease are at high risk of developing flu-related complications.
Benn said to prevent the virus, people should wash their hands frequently and cover their mouths when they cough.
“If you’re sick, stay home,” he said.
Benn recommends people maintain a healthy diet and get plenty of rest.
“The healthier you are, the easier it is for you to take on the illness,” he said.
Meghan McCormick 366-3539