Health Department reports increase in local flu activity

The Gilchrist County Health Department is no longer collecting or reporting numbers on H1N1 cases in the county, instead officials are focusing on the higher than usual amount of flu activity in the county.
“We are seeing more flu than normal for this time of year, and it seems to be affecting the younger school age children more than the older ones,” said Dr. Eleanor Abella, medical director for the Gilchrist County Health Department. “We are not currently aware of any widespread outbreaks.”
Sable Bolling, Gilchrist County Health Department administrator, indicated that most illness in the community seems to be mild at this time. According to Bolling, local health officials are seeing no more than what is being experienced statewide and throughout the southeast.
Since 80 to 90 percent of people with flu like symptoms that are tested at this time are positive for H1N1, the CDC is no longer recommending that all these individuals be tested, Bolling explained.
“They are treated in the same manner as individuals with regular seasonal flu,” Bolling said. “There are probably many cases that are not reported because not all individuals seek medical attention, and get better on their own.”
Health Department officials continue to encourage active hand washing and good hygiene practices.
“We encourage individuals who are sick to stay home from work or school,” Bolling said. “Individuals should stay home until they are fever free for 24 hours.”
Locally, the health department continues its outreach to community partners such as the Gilchrist County School Board, school personnel, Gilchrist County Commission, and area daycares.
“We are also continuing our active planning for the implementation of the Swine Flu Vaccine which should be available in mid-October,” Bolling said. “The vaccine will be voluntary and free to the public if administered by the health department.”
Currently, health department officials plan to offer the vaccine on Saturdays in the school gymnasiums. Bolling indicated that dates will be determined when officials know they will get shipments in.
“It will be a targeted approach with tiers of individuals to receive the vaccine,” Bolling said. “Most likely our first responders and health care providers will receive the first doses, followed by pregnant women and children. Individuals born before 1957 may have some immunity to this strain of flu and therefore are not in the top tier to receive the vaccine.”
According to Bolling, health department officials will continue their targeted outreach to the schools, daycares, and parents of young children, so that they will be kept informed of the schedule for possible vaccinations.
“Individuals can really make a difference in our infection rate and the overall flu rate in our county,” Bolling said.
In the meantime, Bolling said, “our best defense to outbreaks and continued spread of H1N1 is to practice the advice of the Surgeon General as outlined below.
People with respiratory illness should stay home from work or school to avoid spreading infections, including influenza, to others in the community.
* Avoid close contact with people who are coughing or otherwise appear ill.
* Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
* Wash hands frequently to lessen the spread of respiratory illness.
People experiencing cough, fever and fatigue, possibly along with diarrhea and vomiting, should contact their physician. If you think you have influenza, please call your health care provider and discuss whether you need to be seen in their office, emergency department or stay home.