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"Widespread outbreak” is official terminology used by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to classify, in this case, the growing number of flu cases that have spread through the entire state, according to Alan Siniscalchi, the state's influenza surveillance coordinator for the state Department of Public Health.
“Basically, you will encounter [influenza] regardless of where you are in the state,” Siniscalchi told The Daily Voice.
Although it's not yet the peak of flu season -- which normally occurs between January and February -- the “increase of the virus in Fairfield County has been quite dramatic,” according to Siniscalchi.
Normally, outbreaks such as the one Fairfield County has experienced in the past week, occur in urban areas or during the holidays, when the virus can travel from out of state with family members who are visiting.
However, Fairfield County’s large commuter population makes it even more vulnerable to the virus, he said.
“Because of commuting, the opportunity for transformation of the flu virus is much greater,” Siniscalchi said.
According to the department's weekly report on the flu virus, Connecticut had 444 positive cases of the flu as of Dec. 27, with 134 of reported cases coming out of Fairfield County. Only New Haven County has reported more cases with 144.
A pharmacy technician at the locally owned Switzer’s Pharmacy of Southport said he hasn’t noticed an increase in demand for prescriptions for flu medicines such as Tamiflu. But many customers are coming in for items to cure flu symptoms, he said.
Two easy ways to decrease your chance of contracting the flu virus, according to Siniscalchi, is to wash your hands frequently and practice what is known as “social distance.”
“If you see someone who is ill, or has symptoms of the flu, keep your distance,” he said. “With that being said, if you are feeling symptoms or fear you might have the flu, don’t go into work. Stay home.”
The department is predicting the outbreak to worsen over the coming weeks and are advising those who have yet to get a flu vaccination to do so immediately.
“The vaccine takes about two weeks to take effect, so if you get one tomorrow you should be in good shape in the next week or so” Siniscalchi said. “Don’t waste any time.”
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