Flu season hits peak in February, but theres hope
By C. Ruth Ebrahim, Staff Writer

Caroline residents who have not yet received a flu vaccine may be in luck.

A clinic held on Saturday, Feb. 5 gives area residents the chance to receive the elusive flu vaccine.

Please call local health departments to schedule an appointment, said Rappahannock Area Health District (RAHD) Nurse Manager Kay Jones. We have 450 doses of vaccine available and will make appointments as long as vaccine lasts.

Recently, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) expanded the list of high-risk groups who should be vaccinated this year. Last week, the federal organization wiped out all restrictions on receiving the vaccine.

However, the local health district wants to continue providing vaccines only for those in priority groups.

Theres probably enough vaccine to administer that number that were given out last year, said RAHD Director Dr. Donald Stern prior to the relaxation of restrictions.

However, Nurse Manager Jones says many localities have seen a slow down in the number of persons requesting vaccines.

Even though we did change the criteria, it didnt make a whole lot of difference. So, were still encouraging people to get [the shot], Jones said.

As the region entered this years flu season, the Health District encompassing Caroline County prepared for the second tough season in a row.

Influenza activity has been low so far this season. However, it is still early and the timing
and level of influenza activity is unpredictable. The level of reported influenza activity can change at any time.

The most recent report from the CDC, Virginia has seen Regional Flu Activity over the last weekwhich is the third highest activity level on a scale of 0-4.

Its been a slow start to the flu, Jones continued. There could be a lot of reasonsincluding the greater focus on respiratory etiquette this year.

Following the vaccine shortage scare in October 2004, the CDC set up stringent
requirements for those groups eligible to receive the vaccine.

Now that peak flu season has arrived, local health departments are receiving more vaccine supply and trying to get it to those at highest risk for contracting the virus.

Flu cases are still few with local activity, Jones said. We still encourage people getting their flu shots.

Dr. Stern also encourages residents to ask their physician about antiviral drugswhich can be used to treat flu symptoms.

Currently, four influenza antiviral agents are licensed in the United States: amantadine, rimantadine, zanamivir and oseltamivir.

However, the best way to avoid contracting the flu, especially for those persons who do not fall in a high-risk group, is common sense.

It begins with, if the kid is sick, then dont bring them to school, says Dr. Stern. Sick employees, send them home.

And, or course, theres the matter of basic cleanliness.

Handwashing, Dr. Stern emphasizes. And, try to limit the amount of exposure during this flu season.

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