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County Free of Flu Fever, for Now; But Health Officials Urge Vaccinations

Posted on: Monday, 7 November 2005, 18:00 CST

By TOM VOGT, Columbian staff writer

Washington has only two confirmed flu cases so far this year, but they serve as a reminder to get vaccinated, health officials say.

Both cases were in King County.

The pace of infection is quicker in Oregon, where state health officials have confirmed five influenza cases. The two cases closest to the Vancouver area are in Clackamas County, southeast of Portland; two more are in the Salem area, and the other is near Corvallis.

In addition to a clean slate on confirmed flu cases, other yardsticks look good for Clark County so far. A Norwalk-like virus that forced closure of Mill Plain Elementary School last week was not a flu.

"There has been no increase in flu-like activity or in school absences, and that's true for the state, too. So far, no flu indicators," said Marni Storey, Clark County's public health service manager.

Still, "It's important to come in and get a flu shot," she said.

Flu shots are available to all comers, and unlike last year there is no shortage of vaccine, Storey said.

One local woman did send an e-mail message to The Columbian, claiming she and her husband were deterred by long lines at one pharmacy, while a clinic told her that its vaccine supply would be arriving "any day now."

"There are no problems with production, but one supplier elected to ship its vaccine in batches," said Marcia Goldoft, a state medical epidemiologist. "Big retailers got their shipments first and many smaller clinics got smaller initial shipments, but it's all coming."

"We have heard from some providers that their orders haven't been shipped to them," Storey said. "The best thing is to refer people to our Web site, which we update weekly."

The Clark County Health Department's Web site offers a list of local flu-shot providers at:

http://www.clark.wa.gov/health/clinic/immuniza tions/Flu-Clinic- Locations .html.

Even if it takes another couple of weeks to find a flu shot, "late in November is not a bad time to be vaccinated," Goldoft stressed.

Shots are especially important for those at risk, Storey said.

High-risk groups include: those 65 and older; residents of long- term care facilities; those with chronic health problems; children 6 months to 23 months; pregnant women; health care workers who provide direct patient care; and household contacts and caregivers of children 6 months or younger.

"The other important message is to observe good health habits: Cover your cough, wash your hands, and stay home if you're ill," Storey said.

Update

* Previously: The region's first flu case was confirmed four weeks ago in Oregon.

* What's new: Oregon has five confirmed flu cases; Washington has two.

* What's next: There still is plenty of time to get a shot before the flu season peaks.

Source: Columbian

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