Amid widespread flu season, help prevent illness

Posted 10/20/09

Beginning today (Tuesday), the long-awaited — and debated— swine flu vaccines will be offered at the Park County Public Health Office.

Limited quantities of the vaccine mean that it's only available to high-risk groups in this initial …

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Amid widespread flu season, help prevent illness

Posted

Beginning today (Tuesday), the long-awaited — and debated— swine flu vaccines will be offered at the Park County Public Health Office.Limited quantities of the vaccine mean that it's only available to high-risk groups in this initial round, including pregnant women, those who live with or provide care for infants and front-line medical workers. In the weeks to follow, those with chronic illnesses and residents from age 6 months to 24 years will be able to receive swine flu immunizations.The vaccines arrive in Powell and Cody at a time when more people are getting sick — many, it is now assumed, with the H1N1 or swine flu virus.This year's flu season is already at peak levels in Wyoming, and it's only October. Previous flu seasons often have peaked in February, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.With saturated national media coverage since last spring and increasing flu numbers lately, a lot of us are tired of hearing about flu season. But it's a crucial time to pay attention and learn about the virus and vaccination, especially for those in high-risk groups.Whether you receive the swine flu vaccine in the next few weeks, all residents can practice trusted tactics to prevent contracting or spreading the flu. If you are ill, stay at home to avoid infecting others at work, school or other public places. Steer clear of close contact with sick people. And, of course, remember to wash your hands often.

Beginning today (Tuesday), the long-awaited — and debated— swine flu vaccines will be offered at the Park County Public Health Office.

Limited quantities of the vaccine mean that it's only available to high-risk groups in this initial round, including pregnant women, those who live with or provide care for infants and front-line medical workers. In the weeks to follow, those with chronic illnesses and residents from age 6 months to 24 years will be able to receive swine flu immunizations.

The vaccines arrive in Powell and Cody at a time when more people are getting sick — many, it is now assumed, with the H1N1 or swine flu virus.

This year's flu season is already at peak levels in Wyoming, and it's only October. Previous flu seasons often have peaked in February, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

With saturated national media coverage since last spring and increasing flu numbers lately, a lot of us are tired of hearing about flu season. But it's a crucial time to pay attention and learn about the virus and vaccination, especially for those in high-risk groups.

Whether you receive the swine flu vaccine in the next few weeks, all residents can practice trusted tactics to prevent contracting or spreading the flu. If you are ill, stay at home to avoid infecting others at work, school or other public places. Steer clear of close contact with sick people. And, of course, remember to wash your hands often.

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