The City of Laredo Health Department Provides an Update on Influenza
Written by Post Public Information Representative, Jan 7, 2014, Comments Off
Courtesy Xochitl Mora,
Laredo, TX – Influenza and respiratory illness season is here. The City of Laredo Health Department (CLHD) would like to remind the public that along with FLU, there are also other respiratory illnesses (colds, allergies, bronchitis, and other respiratory viruses). The good news for FLU is that the vaccine gives adequate protection against the current strains and in addition antivirals are appropriate once a person is ill, which the physician will manage.
To date, we have confirmed 14 cases of Influenza and one related death. However based on last year’s cases, we have not exceeded our baseline (40 cases in 2012-13). Nationwide and locally, most or all of the severe cases that are hospitalized and deaths are attributed to underlying health conditions (heart, lung disease, diabetes, obesity, cancer, or HIV status), pregnancy, children younger than 5 years of age, especially less that 18 months, and the elderly.
Contrary to other media (print, radio, social media/Facebook) information, this is our normal FLU season. There are no new strains, significant variations, or an outbreak, and there is no such thing called Cedar FLU. In addition, schools should run as usual. The current predominate strain of H1N1 is seasonal FLU (regular FLU). Many persons are concerned about H1N1 because they relate its arrival in 2009 when it first appeared. The concern then was that H1N1 was a novel virus (first time it appeared worldwide), but it is now considered to be “seasonal” FLU acting just like the other FLU strains. We urge all to get vaccinated as this is the best protective measure. If one has fever > 100, cough and extreme muscle aching, stay home as we have always said and call your doctor, especially if you are in the risk groups. We will continue to advise the public and the medical community with the appropriate and correct FLU information.
For best protection please:
Vaccinate yourself against FLU. You may obtain the FLU shot at any clinic, doctor’s office, pharmacies and at the CLHD. Our hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. through 5:00 p.m. The cost for the flu shot at the CLHD is $20.00 for adults and $10.00 for children. Remember to also cover your mouth when coughing into elbow, wash your hands frequently, use disposable tissues, stay home if sick (if you have more than 100 fever, cough and extreme muscle aching; call your doctor, especially if you are in the groups mentioned above).
