Two different strains of flu are making their rounds in the state, and catching one won’t make you immune to the other. Health officials strongly recommend you get vaccinated and take steps to prevent the spread of flu.

“it has arrived,” said Michael Marcello, a physician at Ochsner St. Anne Family Doctor Clinic in Mathews.

Marcello said he and others at the clinic have been seeing and treating a “substantial amount” of flu with about 70 percent of patients with flu-like symptoms testing positive for the virus.

According to the state’s most recent report, flu symptoms accounted for more than 20 percent of doctor visits last week, up from 12 percent the previous week.

The state’s seasonal flu activity is most prevalent in north and Central Louisiana and in Baton Rouge. but flu activity is extremely high in the bayou region too.

“Lafourche Parish has the highest rate of flu in the region,” said Dr. Connie Gistand, medical director for the Region 3 Office of Public Health, which oversees Terrebonne and Lafourche.

In Lafourche, 21 percent of doctor’s visits were related to flu symptoms. but just 5 percent of doctor’s visits in Terrebonne were flu-related.

There are many different strains of the flu virus, but one usually tends to dominate a flu season, said Dr. Frank Welch, director of the state’s immunization program. Type B flu, which tends to be weaker, has caused about 90 percent of flu cases in the south in recent months.

But now doctors are also starting to see climbing cases of Type a flu, Welch said. about 30 percent of recent cases tested as Type a.

Welch said flu cases usually drop off in March in Louisiana, but doctors are concerned that the prevalence of Type a flu could cause a second wave of illness.

Marcello said the flu vaccine is your best bet to avoid the illness. Vaccines are currently available at many doctors’ offices, pharmacies, hospitals and health clinics. in addition, Ochsner St. Anne General Hospital is offering free vaccinations from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday in the hospital lobby, 4608 La. 1 in Raceland. Shots are available to those 18 and older.

“It’s not too late to vaccinate,” Welch said. “The flu shot only takes a few days to be effective, and people are usually protected completely within 7 to 10 days of getting the flu vaccine. Vaccines are the best preventive measure we have to help fight the spread of this illness, and we encourage everyone to get their seasonal flu shot to help protect not only themselves, but their families and friends as well.”

This year, the national Centers for Disease Control recommends shots for anyone 6 months or older. This year’s vaccine will protect against both the seasonal flu and the H1N1 virus.

Vaccination is especially important for those who are at a higher risk of developing flu-related complications, including:

n anyone younger than 5.

n Adults 65 and older.

n American Indians, who appeared to be at higher risk of flu complications last year.

n People who have a weakened immune system or chronic medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes or heart and lung disease.

Adult caregivers of children, especially those too young for the shot, should get vaccinated. Wash your hands often with soap and water and avoid touching your nose and mouth, which can spread germs. Disinfect surfaces like door knobs, faucets, phones and keyboards. Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze and avoid contact with sick people. If you do get sick, stay home until you’re fever free without medication for at least 24 hours.

Nikki Buskey can be reached at 857-2205 or nicole.buskey@houmatoday.com.