County sees its first H1N1 flu death

Swine flu — County public health offers seasonal flu vaccination clinics, but H1N1 vaccines still slow to be delivered

   Yamhill County is continuing to receive small amounts of the H1N1 (swine flu) vaccine and is attempting to spread the blanket of inoculation to public school kids next, but is still unsure whether public vaccination clinics will be possible.
   Following the county’s first swine flu death last week, public health officials are stressing the importance of prevention techniques and seasonal flu vaccinations, which may be more readily available.
   Heightened awareness has made H1N1 a primary public concern this year — but the seasonal flu, which kills about 36,000 Americans every year, remains a threat as well. Yamhill County received its first flu-related death report last week, a Public Health press release said. The victim, a 44-year-old McMinnville man with underlying chronic conditions, had been hospitalized at Providence St. Vincent Medical Center with H1N1 symptoms.
   Yamhill County Public Health is distributing its share of the H1N1 vaccine, available in spray and injectable forms, to local hospitals and pediatric/family medical offices, while retaining a small amount for those without a health care provider. Children at most daycares and some small schools have already received the vaccine, but the large public school population remains, for the most part, unvaccinated. And with an unreliable stream of doses, Public Health is having a difficult time finalizing its distribution plan.
   “We are given a weekly allotment to order from and do not know how much to expect the following week,” said preparedness coordinator Sarah Bates.
   The public school inoculations will be limited to school children throughout the day; siblings, children not enrolled in school, and pregnant women may be vaccinated while supplies last. Home-schooled youth should contact the school they are registered with or Public Health for information on how to receive the vaccine.
   “We appreciate the cooperation and patience we’re seeing from most of the community,” Bates said, adding that although vaccine should be available over the next couple of months for all who want it, limited supplies at present could lead to people being turned away — perhaps even those in the priority groups.
   The priority groups, those most susceptible to H1N1 flu or to complications arising from it, include children six months to 24 years old, pregnant women, those with underlying health conditions (such as asthma and immune deficiencies), health care providers and those caring for infants under six months old.
   “One of our concerns with this virus has been the increased attack rate and severity among young children and pregnant women compared to seasonal flu,” said Yamhill County health officer Dr. Robert Moore. “We continue to focus on children because they are such active spreaders of the disease.”
   Heightened awareness has made H1N1 a primary public concern this year — but the seasonal flu, which kills about 36,000 Americans every year, remains a threat as well. Yamhill County received its first flu-related death report last week, a Public Health press release said. The victim, a 44-year-old McMinnville man with underlying chronic conditions, had been hospitalized at Providence St. Vincent Medical Center with H1N1 symptoms. But 18 other county residents have been hospitalized with the flu since September, and their symptoms could be chalked up to either the seasonal or the H1N1 strains.
   The county opened seasonal flu vaccination clinics this week and will continue to offer them while supplies last. The vaccines are available to walk-in customers 9 to 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 to 4 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays at Public Health, located at 412 N.E. Ford St. in McMinnville. Reduced cost vaccines are available to those with low-income or no insurance. For more information, call 503-554-7842.
Public Health was expected to announce Tuesday whether H1N1 vaccination clinics would be offered.
   While waiting for the vaccine you can take steps to reduce your risk of getting sick. Wash your hands often, cover your cough, stay home if you are sick and encourage others to do the same. While soap and water are best, hand sanitizer that contains at least 62% alcohol is effective at killing germs.

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marymoran from San Francisco, California
11/4/2009 8:48:25 PM

My child came home from school saying that they learned to cough and sneeze into their elbow with Germy Wormie, and I was totally taken aback. I always covered with my hands. But I went to the website and now I get it, hands touch, elbows don't!! Kids can touch 300 surfaces in 1/2 hour and they hate to wash their hands. There is also an entertaining DVD that teaches them the elbow cough, as well as other important hygiene habits. Prevention like this is crucial because anyone who gets the H1N1 shot may be a carrier anyway, health department officials say.
 
Hydroponics from Nevada, Nevada
11/6/2009 9:04:42 AM

Relating to this issue, I have heard that the vaccination drive will be prioritizing the pregnant women and children under 6 years old, is this true? Regards, http://www.hydroponicswholesale.com




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