Crook County’s first laboratory-confirmed influenza case for the 2004 flu season has been reported to public health officials at the Crook County Health Department. The positive test result was in an elementary school child who had recently visited Portland.
“We typically see influenza show up in Central Oregon about this time of year,” said Dr Holly Jo Hodges, M.D., Crook County Public Health Officer. “The good news is we do have a supply of influenza vaccine within the county for those that meet the CDC high risk criteria. For healthy individuals age 5-49, there is Flu Mist, a nasal spray that is as effective as the injection and only costs slightly more. Contact your local medical provider, pharmacist or county health department to check for availability.”
Influenza is characterized by abrupt onset of fever, headache, sore throat, cough and muscle aches. Other respiratory infections that can be confused with influenza are usually milder and more likely to start with sore throat, sneezing, runny nose and a slight fever.
Wendy Perrin, RN Public Health Director urges people who are in the high priority group to get vaccinated. The priorities include the following people:
• Children ages 6-23 months;
• Adults ages 65 and older;
• Anyone ages 2 to 64 with underlying chronic medical conditions;
• Women who will be pregnant during influenza season;
• Residents of nursing homes and other long-term care facilities;
• Children ages 6 months to 18 years on chronic aspirin therapy;
• Health-care workers who deliver direct patient care; and
• Out-of-home caregivers and household contacts of children under 6 months.
Additional ways to protect yourself from influenza include the following good hygiene practices:
• Wash your hands frequently to get rid of germs you have picked up.
• Try not to touch your eyes, nose or mouth.
• Cover your mouth with a tissue or shirt sleeve when you cough or sneeze, to avoid spreading germs.
• Avoid close contact with people who are ill.
• Stay home when you are sick.
The Crook County Health Department is scheduled to have a flu vaccine clinic Thursday, Dec. 16 at the Crook County Health Department from 8:30 a.m to 4:00 p.m. If vaccine remains available after Dec. 16, flu injections will be given by appointment or on a walk-in basis on Mondays. Call for further information: 447-5165.
