Tweet
Globe Gazette: Three flu strains confirmed ? IA
MASON CITY ? Iowans may be in for a severe flu season, the Cerro Gordo County Department of Public Health reported Thursday.
Three major strains of influenza have been confirmed in Iowa, which is earlier than ever recorded, according to the Iowa Department of Public Health.
Influenza A H1 (Caledonia) and H3 (Wisconsin) were confirmed in past weeks. The milder Type B (Malaysia) was isolated this week.
"This is extremely unusual," State Epidemiologist Patricia Quinlisk said. "Never before have I seen all three strains of influenza isolated this early in the season. The danger in having all three strains circulating is that Iowans have the potential of getting influenza three times this year."
It is not too late to get vaccinated.
The Cerro Gordo County Department of Public Health will hold a flu vaccine clinic from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturday at Southbridge Mall during the Jingle Bell Run for Arthritis. Look for the Health Department booth in Center Court.
Vaccine is also available at the Cerro Gordo County Department of Public Health Immunization Clinic, Mohawk Square, 22 N. Georgia Ave., Suite 300. Hours are 10 a.m. to noon and 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.
For further information, visit the Health Department Web site at: www.cghealth.com.
MASON CITY ? Iowans may be in for a severe flu season, the Cerro Gordo County Department of Public Health reported Thursday.
Three major strains of influenza have been confirmed in Iowa, which is earlier than ever recorded, according to the Iowa Department of Public Health.
Influenza A H1 (Caledonia) and H3 (Wisconsin) were confirmed in past weeks. The milder Type B (Malaysia) was isolated this week.
"This is extremely unusual," State Epidemiologist Patricia Quinlisk said. "Never before have I seen all three strains of influenza isolated this early in the season. The danger in having all three strains circulating is that Iowans have the potential of getting influenza three times this year."
It is not too late to get vaccinated.
The Cerro Gordo County Department of Public Health will hold a flu vaccine clinic from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturday at Southbridge Mall during the Jingle Bell Run for Arthritis. Look for the Health Department booth in Center Court.
Vaccine is also available at the Cerro Gordo County Department of Public Health Immunization Clinic, Mohawk Square, 22 N. Georgia Ave., Suite 300. Hours are 10 a.m. to noon and 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.
For further information, visit the Health Department Web site at: www.cghealth.com.
Comment