Pathfinder
Editor, Senior Moderator
Ohio's Top Doc Stresses Flu Still a 'Threat'
<TABLE><TBODY><TR vAlign=top><TD>Last Update: 6:42 pm
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While experts say they are seeing fewer and fewer H1N1 cases with each passing week the last two months, the bug has still made more people sick than they would normally see from the flu.
The man known as "Ohio's doctor" said "it clearly continues to represent a threat."
Making a stop in Trumbull County Friday, Dr. Alvin Jackson, head of the Ohio Department of Health, said even though millions in the higher-risk categories for H1N1 have not yet been inoculated, the state will begin offering vaccine to the general public next week.
Jackson said he's still encouraging higher-risk people to get vaccinated against the so-called swine flu, he said people shouldn't overlook the seasonal flu shots. He said experts don't know how bad things may get.
"We are really just moving into this," he said. "We're not even at the end of the flu season, which is coming in May."
Since the outbreak began, Jackson said 10,000 deaths have been attributed to H1N1. About 48 of those were here in Ohio. Another 200,000 have been hospitalized. Still, many people diagnosed with swine flu were never tested for it. Jackson said the evidence that has been collected makes more widespread testing unnecessary.
The doctor said besides getting vaccinated, health care officials are also still stressing those good hygiene tips we've been hearing so much about the last several months: thoroughly washing your hands, and sneezing and coughing into your sleeve.
He said many people have gotten that message, which he said can also help folks avoid getting sick.
http://www.wytv.com/content/news/local/story/Ohios-Top-Doc-Stresses-Flu-Still-a-Threat/Arh5VVk8WkaP5F9YRnqBAg.cspx?rss=1664
<TABLE><TBODY><TR vAlign=top><TD>Last Update: 6:42 pm
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
While experts say they are seeing fewer and fewer H1N1 cases with each passing week the last two months, the bug has still made more people sick than they would normally see from the flu.
The man known as "Ohio's doctor" said "it clearly continues to represent a threat."
Making a stop in Trumbull County Friday, Dr. Alvin Jackson, head of the Ohio Department of Health, said even though millions in the higher-risk categories for H1N1 have not yet been inoculated, the state will begin offering vaccine to the general public next week.
Jackson said he's still encouraging higher-risk people to get vaccinated against the so-called swine flu, he said people shouldn't overlook the seasonal flu shots. He said experts don't know how bad things may get.
"We are really just moving into this," he said. "We're not even at the end of the flu season, which is coming in May."
Since the outbreak began, Jackson said 10,000 deaths have been attributed to H1N1. About 48 of those were here in Ohio. Another 200,000 have been hospitalized. Still, many people diagnosed with swine flu were never tested for it. Jackson said the evidence that has been collected makes more widespread testing unnecessary.
The doctor said besides getting vaccinated, health care officials are also still stressing those good hygiene tips we've been hearing so much about the last several months: thoroughly washing your hands, and sneezing and coughing into your sleeve.
He said many people have gotten that message, which he said can also help folks avoid getting sick.
http://www.wytv.com/content/news/local/story/Ohios-Top-Doc-Stresses-Flu-Still-a-Threat/Arh5VVk8WkaP5F9YRnqBAg.cspx?rss=1664