Increase of influenza B seen with this year’s outbreak

From UW Medicine

Every flu season is unique. The 2019-2020 outbreak features more cases of influenza B, the viral strain that usually emerges later in the season. 

“We’re right now in the thick of the flu season. Here at Harborview Medical Center, we’re seeing anywhere from 5-10 cases of influenza in our clinics and our emergency room pretty much every day,” says Dr. John Lynch, the hospital’s medical director of infection control and an associate professor of medicine and allergy and infectious diseases at the University of Washington School of Medicine.

The most effective prevention method is the flu shot – and it’s not too late to get one. 

Beyond that, wash your hands, stay home if you don’t feel well, and if you or another family member plans to seek treatment at a clinic, call in advance so they can prepare. 

Wear a mask, too, if they have those available in the waiting room to keep from spreading the virus.