Rwilmer
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Preparing for Fall Swine Flu
Posted: 10:39 PM Aug 7, 2009
Last Updated: 10:39 PM Aug 7, 2009
Reporter: Jamie Edmonds
Email Address: jamie.edmonds@wilx.com
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Doctors say the swine flu is still out there and it's still getting people sick.
"Some states are calling it wide-spread activity," Dr. Dean Sienko said. "Here in Michigan, we're calling it localized activity."
Dr. Sienko, of the Ingham County Health Department, said once flu season hits in Mid October, cases will certainly rise.
"We're going to have to watch this very closely," he said. "This won't be your typical flu year."
It will be atypical because on top of the seasonal flu, swine flu vaccines should also be given especially to the four high priority groups identified by the CDC:
School-age children, pregnant women, anyone under the age of 65 that has a chronic illness, and health care providers.
Sienko said more than likely multiple shots will be needed.
"I've heard two shots, three shots, it's still unclear," Sienko said. "It appears for at least children, there will be at least two, possibly three which will have to be separated by three to four weeks."
There are approximately 50,000 school-age children in Ingham County. Right now the health department is figuring out a way to immunize each and every one. Doctor Sienko said that will be a major undertaking this fall.
"We will be doing things in the schools," Sienko said. "We'll be meeting with school officials in the next few weeks to map out strategies. Parents should get more information through the schools and through their day care centers."
The vaccines should arrive by October. The CDC recommends everyone between ages 25 and 64 get vaccinated after the high-risk groups get taken care of.
Sienko said people 65 and older *appear* to have an immunity to this particular strain.
http://www.wilx.com/news/headlines/52719882.html
Posted: 10:39 PM Aug 7, 2009
Last Updated: 10:39 PM Aug 7, 2009
Reporter: Jamie Edmonds
Email Address: jamie.edmonds@wilx.com
0 comments
Doctors say the swine flu is still out there and it's still getting people sick.
"Some states are calling it wide-spread activity," Dr. Dean Sienko said. "Here in Michigan, we're calling it localized activity."
Dr. Sienko, of the Ingham County Health Department, said once flu season hits in Mid October, cases will certainly rise.
"We're going to have to watch this very closely," he said. "This won't be your typical flu year."
It will be atypical because on top of the seasonal flu, swine flu vaccines should also be given especially to the four high priority groups identified by the CDC:
School-age children, pregnant women, anyone under the age of 65 that has a chronic illness, and health care providers.
Sienko said more than likely multiple shots will be needed.
"I've heard two shots, three shots, it's still unclear," Sienko said. "It appears for at least children, there will be at least two, possibly three which will have to be separated by three to four weeks."
There are approximately 50,000 school-age children in Ingham County. Right now the health department is figuring out a way to immunize each and every one. Doctor Sienko said that will be a major undertaking this fall.
"We will be doing things in the schools," Sienko said. "We'll be meeting with school officials in the next few weeks to map out strategies. Parents should get more information through the schools and through their day care centers."
The vaccines should arrive by October. The CDC recommends everyone between ages 25 and 64 get vaccinated after the high-risk groups get taken care of.
Sienko said people 65 and older *appear* to have an immunity to this particular strain.
http://www.wilx.com/news/headlines/52719882.html