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The West Central District Health Department began giving school vaccinations for the H1N1 flu virus this week. The numbers of people who are contracting H1N1 seem to be peaking in west central Nebraska, but are still relatively high, Executive Director Shannon Vanderheiden said The health department is distributing vaccine to the smaller schools in the eight-county district until more shipments arrive. H1N1 vaccinations are expected to begin Nov. 23 in the North Platte Public Schools and proceed at the rate of two schools per day, Associate Superintendent Dan Twarling said Friday. Students will not be vaccinated unless parents consent. H1N1 flu cases are prevalent but appears to be starting to wane, Vanderheiden said. Statewide, the numbers of flu patients per week are still climbing, but the rate of increase has slowed in the last two weeks to about 30 more per week, compared to 100 more during the second week of October. Still, there were 499 new influenza-related hospitalizations reported in the last week of October, bringing the season total to 2,376. Most flu victims are adolescents, Vanderheiden said. Common symptoms are much like conventional, seasonal flu -- fever, sore throat, aches, pains and coughs that last for 2-7 days. Some fevers spike high and are accompanied by vomiting, but severe reactions are exceptions. The Department of Health and Humans Services recommends people eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. Citrus fruits, peppers, tomatoes, broccoli, brussels sprouts, nuts and kiwi are good sources of Vitamin C. Apples exert antiviral properties and are a great preventive remedy against flu. H1N1 vaccine is also going to medical clinics and hospitals and in turn aimed to vaccinate pregnant women, caregivers of infants under 6 months of age, young people up to 24 years of age and older people ages 25-64 if they have underlying health issues such as asthma and diabetes. People older than 64 appear to have immunity, which is thought to be the result of similar flu viruses that swept the country years ago. The best way to combat the spread of the flu is to wash hands frequently and cover your mouth when you cough. If you get the flu, stay at home, rest and take lots of fluids, Vanderheiden said.
Seasonal flu There is not much seasonal flu going around yet. The traditional, seasonal flu season is just beginning, Vanderheiden said. Officials hope the seasonal flu season will be mild, because vaccine is hard to find. The West Central Health Department is out of vaccine for adults. Vanderheiden does not expect more adult vaccine to arrive this winter, although she hopes for the best, she said. However, supplies are available of seasonal flu oral mist vaccine for children ages 2-18. Next week some injectable vaccine for the same age group is expected to arrive, she said.
Precautions Individuals have an important role in protecting themselves and their families. Everyone should take these everyday steps to protect your health and lessen the spread of this new virus: • Stay informed. Health officials will provide additional information as it becomes available. • Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it. • Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective. • Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way. • Try to avoid close contact with sick people. • CDC recommends that people with influenza-like illness remain at home until at least 24 hours after they are free of fever (100° F [37.8°C]), or signs of a fever without the use of fever-reducing medications.
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