Health departments gear up for flu season

With fall here and flu season on the way, area health departments are preparing by getting the word out about the availability of vaccinations and stocking up plenty of shots.
Robert C. Parker, Southwest Virginia regional public information officer with the Virginia Department of Health, said in a release last week that all local health departments of the Mount Rogers Health District have received initial shipments of influenza vaccine and are now taking appointments for flu shots beginning Oct. 1. 
Last year, according to Parker, the Mount Rogers district gained the distinction of being the largest public provider of flu vaccinations in Virginia. The district gave over 13,000 flu vaccinations last year, Parker said.
The flu vaccine supply should not be an issue as it was a few years ago. “We think we’re not looking at any shortages,” said Edie Bobko, health educator with Mount Rogers Health District.
Officials have not ventured predictions about the severity of flu for 2008-09, but Bobko said it’s simply a good idea to have the vaccination.
On average, 226,000 people are hospitalized every year because of influenza, and 36,000 die, according to Parker. Anyone can get influenza, but rates of infection are highest in young children. 
This year, Parker said, the Centers for Disease Control recommend all children six months through 18 years of age be vaccinated. 
“Influenza spreads very easily, usually through contact with droplets from the nose or throat of an infected person during coughing or sneezing,” said health district director D. Craig Smith, MD. “It is sometimes difficult for young children to remember to follow good health habits that can prevent the flu, such as frequent hand washing, covering a cough or sneeze with a tissue or sleeve, and avoiding touching eyes, nose, and mouth.  This is especially true for children who are in school or in daycare and share items and surfaces with other children.”
Charges for the vaccinations “have mostly remained the same this year,” Parker said. Extended hours will be offered at all sites at least one day per week. 
Businesses, industries, agencies or other large groups may call local offices to see if onsite vaccinations at the worksite can be arranged, sometimes at discounted charges. 

Who Should be Vaccinated?
The Centers for Disease Control recommend everyone receive a flu vaccination, especially the following:
• Children six months through 18 years of age;
• Women who will be pregnant during influenza season;
• Anyone with long-term health problems like: heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease, lung disease, metabolic disease such as diabetes, asthma, anemia, or other blood disorders;
• Anyone with a weakened immune system due to: HIV/AIDS or other diseases affecting the immune system, long-term treatment with drugs such as steroids, cancer treatment with x-rays or drugs;
• Anyone with certain muscle or nerve disorders (such as seizure disorders or cerebral palsy) that can lead to breathing or swallowing problems;
• Residents of nursing homes and other chronic care facilities;
• Those who live with or come into contact with people in a high-risk group including healthcare workers, physicians, nurses, and family members.

Health department phone numbers
All three departments offer extended hours on Mondays.
Smyth County Health Department               (276) 781-7460
Washington County Health Department         (276) 676-5604
Wythe County Health Department               (276) 228-5507