LaredoBuzz.Com

Courtesy Laredo Health Department, 

Laredo, TX – -During this past week, influenza activity in the United States has increased. Of the 4,733 specimens tested by U.S. World Health Organization (WHO) and National Respiratory and Enteric Virus Surveillance System (NREVSS) collaborating laboratories and reported to CDC/Influenza Division, 744 (15.7%) were positive for influenza.  Mississippi is the only state that has confirmed widespread Influenza activity.  In Texas, 940 specimens have been tested of which 160 were positive. 88.1% of positive results have been for Influenza A.

 As of today, the City of Laredo Health Department has received 17 out 18 specimens sent to Austin.  13 specimens have been reported positive for Influenza A.  Local hospitals and physicians have reported an increase in upper respiratory illnesses during these past weeks.

If you have been diagnosed with flu, you should stay home, follow your doctor’s orders, and watch for signs that you need immediate medical attention.

• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever (100°F or 37.8°C) is gone except to get medical care or for other things you have to do and no one else can do for you.
• Avoid close contact with others, especially those who might easily get the flu, such as people age 65 years and older, people of any age with chronic medical conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease), pregnant women, young children, and infants.
• Wash hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub often, especially after using tissues or coughing/sneezing into your hands.
• Cover coughs and sneezes.
• Drink clear fluids such as water, broth, sports drinks, or electrolyte beverages made for infants to prevent becoming dehydrated.
• Get plenty of rest.
• Get medical attention right away if you:
  • Have difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
  • Experience pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
  • Have sudden dizziness
  • Become confused
  • Have severe or persistent vomiting
  • Experience flu–like symptoms that improve but then return with fever and worse cough

What is the best way to protect myself and loved ones?

 Vaccination is the key to preventing the flu and the City of Laredo Health Department wants to remind the public it is not too late for FLU shots.  The immunization clinic is making it easy for everyone to get the FLU vaccine through our fast track clinic (No need to get a number). 

Hours of Operation for this week: 

Monday – Thursday

8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. 

Hours of Operation beginning January 3, 2011: 

Monday – Friday

8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

 Tuesday’s only: Extended hours from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

For more information about the flu contact the City of Laredo Health Department at 956-795-4951 or 956-795-4906.