Doctors Urge Early Flu Shots as Season Arrives Ahead of Schedule

CONCORD, N.H. — Flu activity has arrived earlier than usual this year, with reports of cases — especially Influenza A — emerging in September instead of the more common October or November start. Health experts say anyone eligible for the vaccine should get it now, since it takes about two weeks for the shot to offer full protection.

Based on reports from several medical centers, New Hampshire has already recorded roughly two dozen flu cases this season. Dr. Gabriela Andujar Vazquez, medical director of infection prevention and control at Dartmouth Health, said the health system had no flu cases in September last year, but patients are arriving earlier this time.

“I would say it’s starting to pick up a little bit,” Andujar said. “It’s still low but trending in the direction in which we start thinking that the season will be starting and picking up quickly and soon.”

The CDC says flu cases are beginning to increase nationwide, even as other respiratory illnesses remain at low levels.

Andujar said she would typically tell patients to get vaccinated by Halloween, but this year she is advising them to get the shot as soon as possible before flu activity peaks.

“Get it now so you can get those two weeks in of building up that immunity from the vaccine,” Andujar said.

She added that this year’s vaccine appears promising. It protects against an H1N1 virus that has been identified as one of the strains in this season’s Influenza A.

“The biggest part about the vaccine is decreasing the severity of your symptoms,” said Susan Hills, operational director for Southern New Hampshire Medical Center Immediate Care locations.

The medical center, like Dartmouth Health, has seen several flu patients recently and has logged 19 cases across its care centers.

Unlike a common cold, Hills said, the flu often hits suddenly.

“All of a sudden you wake up and you have body aches,” Hills said. “Doesn’t always come with a fever, but more commonly a fever but everything just kind of people say like, ‘I got hit with a ton of bricks.’”

Hills said people age 65 and older, as well as those who are pregnant or who have asthma, COPD or heart disease, should make vaccination a priority before flu numbers climb further.

“If they develop symptoms, even though the counts are low, those are the ones that are really, really imperative to get tested within the first 48 hours so that we can discuss antiviral treatments for them,” Hills said.

She also said that if symptoms seem to improve and then get worse again, it may be time to see a primary care doctor or visit urgent care.

Experts also recommend frequent handwashing, wearing masks and staying home when sick to help prevent the spread of flu.

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