--- title: "The Flu in Chicago: Going Beyond the Flu Vaccine" description: The 2017-2018 flu season started early this year and is expected to spread rapidly over the next two months. Take preventative action to reduce transmission and maintain community health. --- # The Flu in Chicago: Going Beyond the Flu Vaccine ### Article By: Devin O'Brien, M.A. The flu season started early this year and is primed to peak over the next few months. We’re experiencing a particularly bad year for the flu and we may just be getting started. [As of February 2nd, 2018, the CDC has reported a continuing week over week increase in flu activity, hospitalizations, and death. ](https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2018/t0202-flu-update-activity.html)   [Listen to the CDC's February 2nd press briefing](https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2018/t0202_Flu_Update.mp3)   The rapid spread of Influenza A (H3N2) is increasing the number of visits to healthcare providers. With the flu shot holding a 10% effective rate, we need to take alternative measures to reduce transmission rates and push back on this deadly outbreak.   **How is Chicago Fairing Through the 2017-2018 Flu Season?** Hospitalizations and deaths are our primary indicators for severity of the flu season. When commenting on emergency room visits, Chris Hwang, Medical Director of Emergency Services at Rush Copley Medical Center in Aurora, explained: “I don’t know if we’ve peaked yet, but the last two weeks have been extremely busy. . . the hospital has consistently seen a surge of patients, at least 30 to 40 more patients a day than is typical throughout the year . . .” The Chicago Tribune reports that, in Chicago, 6.2% of total ER visits were for influenza-like illness for the week of Jan. 7 through 13, compared with 5.8 percent the week before. As of February 2nd, flu related hospitalizations have increased to 7.1% nationwide. Current rates are slightly under the flu pandemics of 2009 at 7.7% and 2005 at 7.6%. We are on pace to repeat some of the highest levels of flu activity in the past 12 years.    **Good Morning America - New warning about the deadly flu outbreak as the dangerous strain spreads across the country. A CDC official tells us how effective the vaccine is.** Northwestern Medicine reported over 500 patients have now tested positive compared with just 56 in the last year. If Australia’s flu season is a predictor of what we might experience in Chicago, we could be in for a highly severe season (and we may just be getting started).      --- **“For the 2017-18 flu season, manufacturers projected they would supply the United States with 151 million to 166 million doses of injectable influenza vaccine. As of Nov. 24, about 148.2 million doses of vaccine had been distributed.” - **[CDC: 2017-18 Flu Season in U.S. Dominated by H3N2 Viruses](https://www.aafp.org/news/health-of-the-public/20171213fluupdate.html) ---   **What Can We Do to Reduce Flu Circulation?** We need to give the Chicagoland community the best chance to avoid contagion. The flu shot should be everyone’s #1 priority; however, this year’s vaccine was particularly ineffective against the **Influenza A - H3N2 Strain. **If the flu vaccine is only partially effective, what else can we do to protect ourselves from this season's challenge?   **The Obvious ** We all know the basics when it comes to avoiding contact with the flu. Generally, we should all be: - Replacing and isolating toothbrushes. - Not sharing lip balms or other products that make open contact with the mouth. - Cleaning sheets and bedding frequently. - Being cautious where we place hands and fingers.  - Covering mouths when we cough or sneeze. Use your shoulder and not your hands to block the air (the latter can contaminate everything you touch after your cough or sneeze).  The most effective measures are clearly **the flu shot** and **proper hand washing**, but we’re not getting the most out of these tools and methods, which may be adding weight to this particularly challenging flu season.  - **The Flu Vaccine** - This year’s shot has resulted in a 10% effective rate. Canada and Australia’s flu numbers tend to correlate with the United States and we’re realizing a reduced effectiveness against this year's dominant strain (Influenza A - H3N2).  - **Hand Washing** – While effective, this preventative measure calls for soap, warm water, and at least 20 seconds of our time. This best practice is not common for most people and the true benefits of proper hand washing are not experienced. [Learn more about proper hand washing techniques](https://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/when-how-handwashing.html)   **The Less Obvious** While the flu vaccine and proper handwashing are our primary means of defense, they may not be completely effective and may need supplemental support. We’re recommending three additional methods that may help reduce transmittance and the circulation of the uncomfortable H3N2 flu experience. - **Wipe down** your phone, TV remote, and other electronics with sanitizing wipes. Don’t forget restaurant menus, your car steering wheel, and maybe most importantly, your door handles. These items can be some of the dirtiest we encounter on a daily basis.  - **Bring your own pen** – and even better – use a pen with antimicrobial properties built into the plastic polymer. Pens circulate faster than almost any other promotional product. They're great for advertising, but not for reducing flu circulation. Use a pen you trust.  - **Use hand sanitizer** . . . frequently. Hand sanitizers are portable and are incredibly easy to use. From a public health standpoint, proper hand washing is technically more effective, but most people don't do it right. Frequent hand sanitizing is the simplest means of reducing flu transmission. Keep pumps centralized at home & work and keep a personal sanitizer on your person for when you're on the go.    --- **Sanitizing is the Smart Solution:** The flu virus can survive on surfaces for up to 24 hours. If you’re in an environment that has been exposed to the flu or frequent traffic (e.g. hospitals and clinics), make sure you’re decontaminating what you touch on a regular basis with a proven disinfectant:** antibacterial wipes and hand sanitizer. ** ---   The time is now to boost preventative measures. Utilize tools that provide a **community benefit** and help Chicagoland reduce the impact of the deadliest flu season in over 12 years. Antibacterial products are not just effective at reducing flu circulation, they're also excellent canvases for sharing best practices and directing our community to additional hospital resources.    [![Get the Tools to Protect Our Community](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/4135929/c02816ed-a25f-4d93-95d7-66c3bda4552c.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/4135929/c02816ed-a25f-4d93-95d7-66c3bda4552c)   Keep in Touch Singing Our Praises - Sarah Marketing- Centegra Health System “We have had the pleasure of working with the O’Brien team for many years. Keri O’Brien Soukup and Sara Spring are reliable, creative and always willing to go the extra mile to ensure that your organization receives the best quality products to represent your brand. They truly care about their clients and it is apparent in every interaction we.. - Rhonda Roseland Community Hospital O’Brien Corporation offers a variety of quality products fitting for any occasion. Sheila is amazing at customizing different options and providing quotes in a short time frame. We are always confident that our orders will be delivered in a timely matter, even with last minute orders that may require special instruction/attention. The New Roseland.. - Jennifer Fortune 500 company Devin and his team at O'Brien have been a wonderful resource for what we were looking for. We have worked with them on several projects over the years and they consistently deliver a great product with wonderful customer service throughout the collaboration. They not only listened to what we needed, but came up with creative ideas that enhanced.. - Cathy Human Resources, University of Illinois Health I am always impressed with the level of service and response I receive from Devin and O’Brien Corp! They offer a wide variety of promotional products at a variety of pricing. The creative team at O’Brien Corp is outstanding! They’ve taken my thoughts and helped me identify great gifts and awards. The team exceeds my expectations during each.. - Joan Purchasing, Edward-Elmhurst Health Edward-Elmhurst Health has partnered with O’Brien for the majority of our printing needs over the past 10 years. During this time, O’Brien has proven how knowledgeable they are within the Healthcare arena, offering us nothing less than exceptional customer service throughout the years. Their friendly staff is a call away and has proven on more.. - Michalle Materials Management, Roseland Community Hospital O'Brien Corporation has given excellent service to Roseland Community Hospital, with prompt delivery, expertise sales from Rich Burruss, Account Manager, and proficient customer service from Julie Bauer, Customer Service Representative.  - Christine Human Resources, Reliable Home Improvement and Supply, Inc. We starting working with O’Brien Corporation in 2007 and are currently still working with them. We have done printing on apparel, stationery and even gifts for our clients and every time it comes out top notch! They are very prompt and on top of every order. Their timelines are fantastic and you can’t beat the pricing! Anytime we print we look to.. - Julie Owner, Paws in Time Pet Resort I love working with O'Brien! Love the professionalism, attention to detail, and how things get done when I work with them! - Nancy Marketing, Norwegian American Hospital I have had the opportunity to work with O’Brien for the past three years. My experience has been nothing but outstanding. Rich and Sheila are always eager to help me with whatever request I need. They always respond very quickly and offer great recommendations. Their philosophy and dedication to fulfill their clients’ expectations surpass the.. - Sue Ellen Purchasing, 9 Hospital Healthcare System in Illinois As the purchasing agent for one of the largest Healthcare systems in Illinois working with O’Brien on promotional items and print has been an exceptional experience for me for the past 15 years. They have worked endlessly to improve our working relationship, creating an online store for requestors to find anything from a needed diagnostic form to.. - Dana Human Resources, 9 Hospital Healthcare System in Illinois O’Brien Corp has been a great company to work with. They have fantastic recommendations and have gone above and beyond to ensure that the products are of great quality and received in a timely manner. They are always looking for the most effective ways for us to represent our organization and understand the needs within the healthcare market. We.. - Mike CEO, Metro Health Solutions Devin and his team have been a great marketing partner to Metro Health. With focused ideas, competitive prices and the ability to meet tight deadlines, Team O'Brien adds value to any project. - Sophia Foundation, Methodist Hospitals Methodist Hospitals works with O'Brien on several different projects. O'Brien never disappoints! They are professional and courteous and their service always goes beyond our expectations. Our rep, Rich Burruss, is a delight to work with and we can always count on his prompt and reliable service! We look forward to more productive years ahead.. - Fabiola Marketing, MacNeal Hospital I’ve had the pleasure of working with O’Brien for over ten years. No matter how small or large the project we always receive the best customer service. Prompt replies for quotes and ideas. Quality work and products. - Scott Marketing and Communications, Hiram College As a marketing executive, O'Brien Corporation has been my go-to resource for both print and promotional products for the past ten years. Their exceptional customer service and ability to deliver cost-effective solutions on strategy, on time, and on budget, are the reasons why I rely on O'Brien Corporation. - Jeanne Purchasing, HeathQuest Systems O’Brien’s products and costs always meet or exceed our expectations and they deliver in a timely manner regardless of how many changes we request. It is always a pleasure working with their friendly and attentive staff. Their patience and attention to detail is second to none. - Shelly Marketing, Edward-Elmhurst Health I have been working with Devin and Sara for many years and their service, communication and professionalism have been outstanding. I appreciate their knowledge -- I can give them a theme and they will research and provide the best possible items for recommendation. It is such a great pleasure working with the team at O’Brien Corporation. - Julie Human Resources, Edward-Elmhurst Health Without a doubt, O’Brien Corporation has one of the best customer service models that I’ve ever seen. Whenever I have a request, they turn around multiple options within days, often hours. They provide cost effective solutions, quality, and are always a pleasure to work with. [ Read All ](https://www.obriencorp.com/the-obrien-difference/testimonials-success-stories/testimonials)