Hospitals report a surge in flu cases across New Mexico

If you were considering leaving your home at all over the next few weeks, you should know: Christus St. Vincent is reporting "a surge in confirmed cases of the influenza virus," so much so they're running out of beds.

"Over the last 30 days, Christus St. Vincent has seen 124 confirmed cases of the flu and the incidence is rising," reads the hospital's press release issued Wednesday. "Due to the influx of serious flu cases, Christus St. Vincent hospital and Emergency Department are currently operating at full capacity as are nearly all other New Mexico hospitals."

As of Dec. 23, there have been five confirmed adult deaths from the flu and 36 pneumonia deaths across New Mexico, according to the state's Department of Health. There were a total of 222 deaths in New Mexico due to pneumonia (195) and flu (27) during last year's flu season, and we're currently on track to break that record.

"Compared to this same time last year, influenza-like illness (ILI) activity is twice as great," writes health department spokesman Paul Rhien in an email. "Also flu activity has not yet reached its peak. We have not seen an increase in flu activity this early in the winter in the past five years."

Both the state and national rate of infection are currently exceeding the nation's average rate, according to the health department's numbers.

While the flu is relatively common, it can pose a particular danger to people over 65 or younger than 5, and can exacerbate illness in people who are pregnant or asthmatic, diabetic, or have heart or kidney disease. We are currently in the peak time for the seasonal flu, whose symptoms include aching, fever and fatigue. Cases normally taper off by March.

Flu vaccines tend to have a poor success rate due to the mutating nature of the virus. A federal report found last season's vaccine effectiveness was only 42 percent, and was an abysmal 19 percent the year before. St. Vincent spokesman Arturo Delgado tells SFR by email that this year's flu "seems to not be as responsive to this year's vaccine," and appears more contagious than past strains.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention urges that vaccination efforts continue even after the onset of flu season. Delgado also says that those who have not yet been vaccinated do so at a local health provider, though the surge in serious flu patients may result in longer patient wait times at St. Vincent.

If you think you have the flu, though, the hospital is advising you stay home unless it's an emergency. "Bedrest, drinking plenty of fluids, and Tylenol for your fever are the standard remedies," the hospital advises. "If the symptoms get worse, it is wise to seek care from your doctor or at one of our local urgent cares."

And please wash your hands. That goes for all of you.