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Officials fear flu virus lurking around the corner
By Heather M. Smith, Staff writer
As the weather outside dips to freezing temperatures, Plano residents are urged to take precautions against the flu virus before a rise in cases occurs.
“We have yet to see a big spike in the number of flu cases at Baylor Regional Medical Center at Plano," said John Marcucci, M.D., medical director of the Baylor Plano Emergency Department. “According to Collin County Health Care Services, since Oct. 4, only 30 positive tests for flu have been reported in the county.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), flu season begins in November and can last until early spring. The 2008-2009 report by the CDC says that this flu season shouldn’t be any better or worse than the previous year’s season. However, the flu is contagious and those who have it can pass the virus to others a full day before they feel sick. In addition, for several days after symptoms start, the flu can spread from one person to the next.
Collin County Health Care Services officials gave tips on how residents can prevent the flu. Everyone should wash their hands properly, cover their mouth and nose with a tissue and avoid touching their eyes, nose or mouth to help avoid the flu. Also, residents should avoid close contact with those who are sick and those who are sick should stay at home to avoid spreading the infection to others.
A new recommendation by the CDC is to increase use of the nasal influenza vaccine for children 2-4 years old. The CDC hopes that wider use of the nasal vaccine will protect more people against the annual flu outbreak.
However, according to experts, the best way to avoid the flu is to get a flu shot each fall. Health Care Services is currently offering flu vaccinations to adults Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. and from 1-4 p.m. Medicare Part B and Texas Medicaid is accepted and residents are asked to bring their cards to the clinic. For those without Medicare or Medicaid, the charge for an adult vaccine is $20; cash and checks are accepted.
“There should be no shortage of vaccines this year,” said Cynthia Rodgers, RN of Select Specialty Hospital. “Those over 65 and those with chronic disease are encouraged to obtain their vaccine early in the season.”
There are some people who should not be vaccinated before consulting a physician, including those who have a severe chicken egg allergy, those who have had a severe reaction to the vaccination in the past and children younger than 6 months old.
Some residents who are at a higher risk for the flu virus are adults 65 and older, children ages 6-23 months, pregnant women, children who are 2 years or older and who live with children less than 6 months old, adults and children with any long-term health problems and health care workers.
For information about flu vaccinations call the Collin County Health Care Services at 972-548-5500 or visit www.co.collin.tx.us/healthcare_services.
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