Flu vaccine info given (10/29/04)

Thank you Jay County Community for your cooperation and understanding with the flu vaccine program held Oct. 22 at the Jay County 4-H Building.

We are fortunate in Jay County to have such a strong spirit of cooperation among the Jay County Health Department, Jay County Hospital and Jay Emergency Medical Service. Special thanks to Jay County Hospital employees Gail Kuhn, Susie Tomey and Connie McDowell; and Jay Emergency Medical Service employees Paulette Wagner, Greg Michael and Jim Reynolds. Special thanks to my staff, Linda Smith, Dave Houck, Jim Waechter, Minerva Tingley, Jennifer Zorn, Stacy Blowers, Peggy Atkinson, Dave Johnson and Dan Watson at the Jay County Health Department for all your assistance.

The news about the flu vaccine scarcity has ignited concerns across our country and many people are feeling anxious about being unprotected from the flu virus. As in any situation affecting us, we need to remain calm, look at the realities of the situation, and not be fearful. Some of the realities are:

•The flu vaccine will not necessarily prevent you from experiencing flu symptoms (fever, cough, runny nose, aches). The flu vaccine works about 52 percent of the time.

•Persons in the following groups should be considered for priority flu vaccine status: Those 65-and-older; children 6 to 23 months; persons age 2-64 with chronic medical conditions; women who will be pregnant during flu season; residents of nursing homes and long-term care facilities; health care workers.

•During a vaccine shortage, younger and healthier people should do fine without a flu shot.

•If you received a flu vaccine last year, you may have some carryover protection for this year’s flu strain.

•Rarely do people die of the flu virus itself. The virus weakens the immune system and bacterial infections (pneumonia) and other secondary problems are the reasons for serious problems or death.

There remain limited supplies of flu vaccines and it is doubtful whether there will be more available. We will keep the residents of Jay County informed if more vaccine becomes available and the guidelines for receiving the vaccine. If we do have a flu outbreak in this area, remember to practice preventative techniques:

•Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve, not your hands. Put your used tissue in the waste basket.

•Wash your hands frequently. Clean your hands after coughing or sneezing with soap and water (15 to 20 seconds — sing the “Happy Birthday” song twice). If soap and water is not available, use alcohol-based hand wipes or gel sanitizers.

•Avoid sick people and stay home if you do get so as not to expose others.

•Remind your children to practice these habits so as to stop the spread of germs at school, too.

•If you show symptoms of the flu, see your healthcare provider immediately for treatment. We now have medications that can reduce and relieve the symptoms of the flu if given at the first signs of the flu.

•If all else fails, mom’s advice of drinking hot soup may be of comfort.

Stephen R. Myron, M.D.,

Jay County Health Officer

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