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N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – Central Valley Health reports that it’s been a fairly average year for their service area concerning influenza in 2017.

Unit Administrator Robin Iszler reports that it’s too soon to tell if this year is up because there hasn’t been a peak. 

“[The] predominant strain is currently A H3N2, which is associated with more severe years,” Iszler reports. “[It] can have a large impact on elderly and can have lower vaccine efficacy rates than other strains, although protection is still provided.”

The typical timing of the current strain is October to May, but most cases occur January through March. The State Health Department reports that at the end of January 21st, 780 total cases have been reported in North Dakota, 40% of those begin under the age of 19.

“Activity is widespread, meaning we are seeing activity all over the state, including in Stutsman county and Jamestown,” Iszler pointed out.  “As long as influenza is circulating vaccination is recommended, and that so far, the season’s circulating strains are well-matched to the vaccine.”

Iszler says hand washing is important to prevent illness from spreading as well other diseases that the influenza vaccine does not protect against.