- CSHD Influenza Reports
Every winter in the United States we prepare for influenza A and B to circulate through our communities. The influenza season runs from October to May but generally peaks between December and March. Approximately 5-20% of the general community will become sick with influenza each year. In the United States, influenza causes an estimated 226,000 hospitalizations per year and 36,000 deaths. At risk groups for serious complications from seasonal influenza include the elderly, young children, and people with certain health conditions.
The only thing predicable about the influenza season is that influenza is unpredictable. Last season many communities were heavily impacted by the novel H1N1 strain that emerged in April of 2009. Current evidence suggests that H1N1 illness patterns are transitioning towards patterns of seasonal influenza. Cases of illness and outbreaks are still expected to occur in our health district as they are during regular influenza seasons. This page has consolidated information regarding influenza surveillance, vaccinations, prevention, and resources for your convenience. Should you have additional questions please contact your healthcare provider or your local health department.
Every year, each health district in the Commonwealth of Virginia partners with local healthcare providers to submit specimens for influenza testing through the Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services (DCLS). The results are evaluated along with emergency department / urgent care data related to influenza-like illness. The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is then able to determine our influenza activity status that is reported weekly to the CDC as well as determine what influenza strains are impacting the Commonwealth’s citizens on a weekly basis. View the latest Central Shenandoah Health District (CSHD) influenza report for recent updates and surveillance information.
The following documents are in .pdf format. 
The influenza virus is spread by respiratory droplets (coughing or sneezing). Symptoms will begin 1-4 days after becoming infected. Those with an influenza infection may experience an abrupt onset of fever, sore throat, nonproductive cough, headache, and tiredness. Persons with an infection are most contagious 1 day before the start of their symptoms to approximately 3 days after their symptoms start.
To prevent the spread of influenza it is recommended that you:
The single best way to prevent an influenza infection is to get vaccinated. There is only one vaccine for the 2010-2011 influenza season. The 2010-2011 influenza vaccine is recommended for all persons aged > 6 months who do not have contraindications to vaccination. Those that should not be vaccinated without first consulting a physician include:
The influenza vaccine contains three influenza strains. The three strain types in this year’s vaccine are type A (H3N2), type A (H1N1), and type B. The strains in the vaccine change each year based on international surveillance and scientists' estimations about which types and strains of viruses will circulate in a given year. For this season, the three viral strains included in the vaccine are:
The nasal spray flu vaccine, sometimes called LAIV, is a vaccine made with live, weakened viruses. These viruses cannot grow at normal body temperature. They will not infect lung tissue and the risk of transmitting the virus to others is very low. The nasal spray technique was approved for use in 2003 and since then, tens of millions of doses of the vaccine have been given in the United States.
The nasal spray vaccine is recommended for use in healthy people 2 years through 49 years of age who are not pregnant. Healthcare providers and others may also receive the LAIV as long as they are not in close contact with severely immunocompromised hospitalized persons who require care in a protected environment. Those that are unable to receive the LAIV may still be able to receive the injectable vaccine.
Flu Shot: Vaccine Information Sheet
Nasal Spray: Vaccine Information Sheet