Pathfinder
Editor, Senior Moderator
Flu makes its annual appearance
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By Nikki Buskey
Staff Writer
<!-- PUBDATE -->Published: Wednesday, December 29, 2010 at 10:00 a.m.
Last Modified: Wednesday, December 29, 2010 at 10:51 a.m.
( page all of 3 )
HOUMA ? If you haven?t gotten your flu shot yet, you may want to do so soon.
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Cases started showing up in southern states over the past few weeks, health officials said. And, while Louisiana isn?t suffering quite as much as neighboring states, officials say it may be only a matter of time before that changes.
Flu season in the U.S. typically begins in October and peaks here in January or February, said Dr. Frank Welch, director of the state?s immunization program.
That peak could come even earlier this year.
?The only thing we really know about flu season is that it can be unpredictable,? Welch said.
Health officials are recommending everyone older than 6 months get an immunization to help stave off the misery many locals suffered during last year?s H1N1 outbreak. Millions of people contract the flu annually and more than 36,000 Americans die from complications associated with the virus.
As it stands now, Mississippi residents are the most under-the-weather, with widespread flu outbreaks reported statewide. Texas, Alabama, Georgia and Florida are all reporting ?regional? outbreaks, according to the National Centers for Disease Control.
In Louisiana, Welch said, there are more reported cases than usual this time of year but those remain localized.
?But we?re in this huge block of flu outbreak. We?re the only ones in the south with a low level of flu activity,? Welch said. ?Louisiana is just moments behind.?
Read more:
http://www.dailycomet.com/article/20101229/ARTICLES/101229474?p=all&tc=pgall
<!-- MAIN PHOTO --><!-- BYLINE -->
By Nikki Buskey
Staff Writer
<!-- PUBDATE -->Published: Wednesday, December 29, 2010 at 10:00 a.m.
Last Modified: Wednesday, December 29, 2010 at 10:51 a.m.
( page all of 3 )
HOUMA ? If you haven?t gotten your flu shot yet, you may want to do so soon.
<!-- GRAY BOX ARTICLE CONTENT--><!-- /GRAY BOX ARTICLE CONTENT-->
Cases started showing up in southern states over the past few weeks, health officials said. And, while Louisiana isn?t suffering quite as much as neighboring states, officials say it may be only a matter of time before that changes.
Flu season in the U.S. typically begins in October and peaks here in January or February, said Dr. Frank Welch, director of the state?s immunization program.
That peak could come even earlier this year.
?The only thing we really know about flu season is that it can be unpredictable,? Welch said.
Health officials are recommending everyone older than 6 months get an immunization to help stave off the misery many locals suffered during last year?s H1N1 outbreak. Millions of people contract the flu annually and more than 36,000 Americans die from complications associated with the virus.
As it stands now, Mississippi residents are the most under-the-weather, with widespread flu outbreaks reported statewide. Texas, Alabama, Georgia and Florida are all reporting ?regional? outbreaks, according to the National Centers for Disease Control.
In Louisiana, Welch said, there are more reported cases than usual this time of year but those remain localized.
?But we?re in this huge block of flu outbreak. We?re the only ones in the south with a low level of flu activity,? Welch said. ?Louisiana is just moments behind.?
Read more:
http://www.dailycomet.com/article/20101229/ARTICLES/101229474?p=all&tc=pgall