Pathfinder
Editor, Senior Moderator
Swine flu hospitalizations up, vaccine trickling in
By Don Colburn, The Oregonian
October 21, 2009, 3:33AM
For parents, doctors and public health officials, this is shaping up as the most confusing and confounding flu season in recent memory.
To begin with, influenza this year poses a double threat: seasonal flu, which typically runs from November through April, plus a novel strain called H1N1, or swine flu, which surfaced in April and quickly spread worldwide. Each has its own vaccine.
Here's an update:
Seasonal flu: Not here yet; no confirmed cases reported.
Seasonal flu vaccine: Many clinics have been postponed until November, when more vaccine is expected, in time to beat seasonal flu's arrival. Some pharmacies are still giving shots.
H1N1: Circulating widely. Statewide, as of Tuesday, 239 have been hospitalized since Sept. 1, with six deaths.
H1N1 vaccine: Trickling in. Oregon has received about 80,000 doses, with another 46,000 expected by Friday. More is arriving each week, but the vaccine is arriving less quickly than forecast because of lower-than-expected yields in production.
School absenteeism: Monday, 14percent of Multnomah County school students were absent. Some schools reported higher rates. Normal is about 10percent.
The good news: So far, H1N1 does not appear any more virulent or lethal than seasonal flu, though it tends to hit children and young adults more than older people. Most people get better on their own.
The bad news: Either type of flu can make you miserable for a week or more. And, especially in people with chronic illnesses, flu can lead to complications, such as pneumonia, that sometimes are life-threatening.
Bottom line: If you're seeking a flu shot, either seasonal flu or H1N1, call ahead to make sure the clinic has vaccine available. As always, wash hands frequently, cover your cough and stay home when sick.
For more info: Check the state's flu Web site: www.flu.oregon.gov. Or call the Flu Hot Line: 800-978-3040.
Don Colburn
http://www.oregonlive.com/health/index.ssf/2009/10/post_22.html
By Don Colburn, The Oregonian
October 21, 2009, 3:33AM
For parents, doctors and public health officials, this is shaping up as the most confusing and confounding flu season in recent memory.
To begin with, influenza this year poses a double threat: seasonal flu, which typically runs from November through April, plus a novel strain called H1N1, or swine flu, which surfaced in April and quickly spread worldwide. Each has its own vaccine.
Here's an update:
Seasonal flu: Not here yet; no confirmed cases reported.
Seasonal flu vaccine: Many clinics have been postponed until November, when more vaccine is expected, in time to beat seasonal flu's arrival. Some pharmacies are still giving shots.
H1N1: Circulating widely. Statewide, as of Tuesday, 239 have been hospitalized since Sept. 1, with six deaths.
H1N1 vaccine: Trickling in. Oregon has received about 80,000 doses, with another 46,000 expected by Friday. More is arriving each week, but the vaccine is arriving less quickly than forecast because of lower-than-expected yields in production.
School absenteeism: Monday, 14percent of Multnomah County school students were absent. Some schools reported higher rates. Normal is about 10percent.
The good news: So far, H1N1 does not appear any more virulent or lethal than seasonal flu, though it tends to hit children and young adults more than older people. Most people get better on their own.
The bad news: Either type of flu can make you miserable for a week or more. And, especially in people with chronic illnesses, flu can lead to complications, such as pneumonia, that sometimes are life-threatening.
Bottom line: If you're seeking a flu shot, either seasonal flu or H1N1, call ahead to make sure the clinic has vaccine available. As always, wash hands frequently, cover your cough and stay home when sick.
For more info: Check the state's flu Web site: www.flu.oregon.gov. Or call the Flu Hot Line: 800-978-3040.
Don Colburn
http://www.oregonlive.com/health/index.ssf/2009/10/post_22.html