While the flu virus seems to have already peaked this season andrecorded cases have decreased drastically in the Mid-South and atThe University of Memphis, some experts say a second bout with thevirus could be impending.
With the initial strain of influenza B dying down, doctors don'twant people to develop a false sense of security.
"There's no immediate threat of the virus at this moment, butwho knows what to expect," said Diane Cooper, lab director at The Uof M's Hudson Health Center.
"Because of all the traveling done during the holidays, peopleweren't around each other so it (the virus) died down (on campus).There was a lack of exposure. But with everyone thrown backtogether we could see another round," Cooper said.
Another concern regarding a second possible flu outbreak is thevaccination most people received last year.
"The vaccine given is not effective against the strain of viruswe've been seeing," said Becky Waldon, a primary care nursepractitioner for Veterans Affairs. "Also, the vaccines generallyonly offer protection for around three months. That's why getting abooster is important."
Student Health Services staff members got a head start on thevirus last September by giving flu vaccinations to about 500students and faculty members. While vaccinations will no longer begiven by the Student Health Center during this flu season, staffmembers are offering free flu tests for concerned students andfaculty.
"If someone tests positive for the flu virus, we treat them bybeefing up their immune system," Cooper said. "But of the hundredsof sick patients we see, very few actually have the flu virus."
Staff members at Health Services treated 28 documented cases ofthe flu before the conclusion of the fall semester inmid-December.
Those who have already had the flu this season aren't exemptfrom contracting the virus again, Waldon said.
"They are more protected than someone who has not caught thevirus, but they're not immune to catching it again," she said.
