From our news partner in the Whitley News Network, Talk of the Town:
The Whitley County Government Center will be providing an H1N1 vaccination clinic at its Immunization Clinic on Thursday, Jan. 14 from 1 to 6 p.m.
Anyone older than 6 months may receive the vaccinations free. No appointments necessary — walk-ins are acceptable.
The Whitley County Government Center is located on West Van Buren Street in Columbia City.
More on this story at http://www.talkofthetownwc.com/.
From the Vincennes Sun Commercial
By Travis Snyder – tsnyder@suncommercial.com
VINCENNCES, Ind. (Nov. 20, 2009) - The H1N1 flu scare was getting so bad that health officials in the county were considering temporarily closing down Lincoln High School because of a high student absentee rate. Now the epidemic seems to have settled down, says Dr. Alan Stewart. “I’m pretty sure we’ve peaked,” Stewart said. “Now, there would be people who disagree. Steve Jones from the lab thinks we’re seeing as much, but they¹re just not saying it to the lab.”
Stewart spoke to members of the Kiwanis Club at their weekly meeting Thursday. Labs that examine nasal swabs used to test for H1N1 are seeing a decrease in the number of those swabs coming into be tested, Stewart said. “The physicians who are treating a lot of the time now … are not necessarily treating everyone with the nasal swab, so the number of tests we are getting for H1N1 are decreasing in the laboratory,” he said. “So we think it¹s decreasing, but that may not be a true indication of how much it’s decreasing.” He said a lower number of people going to the emergency room with flulike symptoms may also be an indication that the epidemic has passed.
According to Sandy Hatton, director of marketing and community health at Good Samaritan Hospital, only two patients were in the hospital with H1N1 as of Nov. 19. And the emergency room is seeing an average of about 13 patients a day that have flulike symptoms. Stewart said that number is about half of what the hospital saw a few weeks ago. The number of student absences at area schools has also gone down recently. “We were debating closing the high school. About two weeks ago, they had an 11 percent absentee rate and now it’s down to about 6 percent, so we think the epidemic has passed,” Stewart said.
But those decreasing numbers may be deceiving, Stewart notes. He said many patients are choosing to go to their private doctors, where they are being told “to stay home, take fluids, take aspirin and (are) treating them with (an) antibiotic,” as opposed to going to the emergency room for flulike symptoms. Regardless, Stewart believes the number of people infected with H1N1 is indeed decreasing. “It may be that the population is building up some immunity or it may be that the virus tends to self-mutate and then disappears,” he said. Influenzas tend to have an epidemic season that lasts a certain amount of time before they calm down, Stewart said, adding that there is a possibility H1N1 may resurface as a concern in future.
“My personal opinion is that we had a small peak in the spring, we got this predicted peak in the fall and it’s not my personal opinion, it’s the experts” and you might see another resurgence at some point in time,” he said. “But I think we¹re on the downward slope of it.”
Dr. Alan Stewart, a physician and the medical director of Community Health Services at Good Samaritan Hospital, spoke Thursday afternoon about the H1N1 virus during a Kiwanis Club meeting at the Knights of Columbus. Here are some of his answers to the most commonly asked questions about the virus.
“There are basically three types of influenza – A, B and C. A is the big player, and that’s what the H1N1 is. A is the one that causes our annual flu epidemic and it also has animal reservoirs. The big ones are like pigs and birds and things like that.”
“If you’re sick, don’t go to work … Cover your cough, wash your hands, be careful in stores. I know a lot of stores here have the hand wipes and use those. Social distancing, if you¹re in the midst of the flu epidemic, don’t go to the grocery store at peak hours. Stay away from people.”
“It has the characteristics like the fever and the cough and so forth … The main thing is an elevated temperature. Usually, over 100 degrees, frequently 101 to 1003 … So the high temperature, usually it’s respiratory symptoms … but the most characteristic symptom that I noticed in my patients who had influenza was this horrendous muscle aching in the legs. You feel like you can’t get out of bed; you ache all over; your muscles hurt. And this muscle pain is the thing that is the most characteristic, in my opinion. Occasionally, you can get gastrointestinal symptoms - nausea, vomiting, diarrhea – but that really isn’t as common as the respiratory symptoms. The incubation period for this is two to four days after exposure.
“The other major characteristic is it’s hitting a younger population than the seasonal flu. This is affecting our youngsters, the children and young people less than age 65. It still affects people who are compromised, often people who really don’t have too much in the way of compromising illness do get it and can get seriously ill. And the things that create this serious illness aren’t completely clear. Although, again, it does appear that things such as diabetes and risk factors, including obesity, do have an effect … You can be well one day and get extremely ill and have respiratory failure the next. And again, it’s not a high instance that people get seriously ill, about one percent, just a little more than one percent, but for small children, it’s worth sitting up (with them at night) because if they’ve got a little respiratory distress or something like that they could get real sick, real fast.”
“There have been 20 H1N1 deaths in Indiana, and four of those were under the age of 18. As of two weeks ago, nine of the 20 were two weeks ago. In this area, we’ve had two deaths -one in Evansville, it was a nurse, I believe at St. Mary’s. This nurse was involved in the delivery of a pregnant woman who had H1N1. The woman was in a hospital for an extended period of time and survived. The nurse contracted this and I believe she died. That’s kind of a secondhand story. There was a another adult not in our community who died from Petersburg. … We have had no deaths in our community that I am aware of at the present time.”
“It’s free to the general public. One of the problems has been it uses eggs. People who are allergic to eggs shouldn’t be taking it. But the vaccine, I think, was a little slower than they had hoped it would be manufactured. And there has been distribution problems with it and getting supply fast enough. Locally, we’ve had influenza vaccine and there’s been some distribution problems. Right now we don’t know how many shots they’re getting, they get like a weekly (supply). We do have a distribution plan, but to this point in time, we haven’t gotten enough to give to our school children.”
“The good news is there are anti-influenza medications for this. There is Relenza and Tamiflu that are taken orally. Relenza does not seem to be too effective, but the Tamiflu is extremely effective. I shouldn’t say extremely, but it is effective. And the good news is that there appears to be a good supply, drug stores aren’t running out or anything.”
For more go to the Vincennes Sun Commercial.
WHITLEY COUNTY, Ind. — Effective Nov. 17, 2009, Parkview Whitley Hospital will lift the temporary restrictions on visitors that were in place to minimize the spread of H1N1 influenza.
Though the restrictions have been lifted, visitors should continue to exercise good judgment and refrain from visiting people in the hospital if they are experiencing any flu-like symptoms.
Parkview Whitley Hospital extends a thank you to patients, families and visitors for their patience and understanding while the restricted visitor policy was in place.
The restricted visitor policy will also be lifted at all other Parkview Health hospitals in the area. For more information go to www.parkview.com.
COLUMBIA CITY, Ind. (Nov. 11, 2009) – A free H1N1 immunization clinic will be held Thursday, Nov. 12, from 16 p.m. at the Whitley County Government Center, Health Department, 220 W. Van Buren St.
The clinic is for Whitley County women who are pregnant, for any child from 6 months to 18 years of age, people ages 19-64 with chronic health problems, especially pulmonary conditions, and for any parent/caretaker with a child under the age of six months. Children under 6 months old cannot be immunized and therefore the parents are being offered the immunizations.
No appointment is necessary. Participants must show proof of (Whitley County) residency or be referred by a Whitley County doctor and must be in the target groups specified.
For more information call the Whitley County Health Department’s immunization clinic at 260-244-2310.
Watch this site for announcements of the WCHD weekly clinics as well as information on which groups will be eligible for the H1N1 vaccines.
by Rama Sobhani of the Vincennes Sun Commercial
rsobhani@suncommercial.com
VINCENNES, Ind. — While health care officials nationwide are in agreement that the H1N1 flu vaccine is the best defense against the virus that has caused more than 1,000 deaths in the U.S., 19 of those in Indiana, for various reasons some local residents are avoiding the vaccine like, well, the plague.
“I don’t think the swine flu thing is as big a deal as they¹re making it out to be,” said Charlotte Jacobo, a Vincennes resident who said she won’t be getting the vaccine because of previous seasonal flu vaccinations that made her and other family members ill. “I got a flu shot once and got very sick, and my granddaughter had to be hospitalized last year and the year before,” she said.
“The doctor said it would be better if she didn’t get (the flu shot).”
Fava Hendrixson, Vincennes, agrees and said she would rather err on the side of caution against the vaccine because there is too much about it she does not know.
“Personally, I don’t trust it,” she said. “People I know that have gotten it have gotten really, really, sick. Some of them say they wish they hadn’t taken it.”
Hendrixson said she did get the seasonal flu last year and has never had a seasonal flu shot, but getting ill wasn’t enough to make her want the H1N1 shot.
“If you pay close enough attention and get to the doctor in time, you’ll be fine,” Hendrixson said. “The main thing is to be aware of what your body’s doing.”
The county health department began holding immunization clinics last month when the first H1N1 vaccine shipments came in from the state. But a shortage in the number of promised doses forced officials and administrators to turn away people seeking the vaccine. Because of the limited number of doses, immunizations are being limited to at-risk groups such as young children, pregnant women and the elderly.
“We’re still waiting for the vaccine. It has dribbled out over time and we have not gotten the amount that we were told we would,” said Dr. Tom Thompson, a physician who sits on the Knox County Health Board. Thompson believes the vaccine is safe and that all who are able to get a dose should.
“People want this shot. At first people said, ŒI don’t know,” but now that H1N1 is in our community, they are changing their perspective,” he said. “This appears to be a very safe vaccine. Safety is not the issue, it’s getting the vaccine in the hands of the people who can distribute it. We haven’t gotten (enough) and we’re waiting for it.”
That shortage has also caused at least one local resident to abstain from getting vaccinated. Darren Mains said he would rather the small amount of doses available go to at-risk groups than to him. “Younger children, pregnant mothers, they should get it,” he said. “I’m fairly healthy and not sure if I need it. People in health care, people who deal with children on a daily basis, they need it.”
Used by permission of the Vincennes Sun Commercial - for more click here.
WHITLEY COUNTY, Ind. (Oct. 27, 2009) — One of the most confusing aspects of the current flu season is determining when to seek treatment and where to go. In order to help members of our community better understand the symptoms and need for treatment, the Emergency Department (ED) staff at Parkview Whitley Hospital is offering some guidelines.
For people with flu symptoms, Parkview Whitley Hospital is offering the following guidelines to help you determine if a trip to the hospital is necessary.
Symptoms of H1N1 influenza can include fever of more than 100°F, cough, sore throat, headache, muscle aches and fatigue. Some people are also experiencing diarrhea and vomiting. Those at highest risk for serious complications from the flu include children under age 5, pregnant women, adults 65 and older and people with chronic health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease or asthma. These people should contact their doctor or visit an urgent care clinic if flu symptoms develop.
If you get sick with flu symptoms and you are in a high-risk group for complications or are concerned about your illness, call your health care provider for advice.
People who are not in the high-risk categories and who have only mild symptoms for which they would not ordinarily seek medical care do not need to do so. They should stay home and call a doctor if they have any questions.
People should visit an emergency room immediately if they experience any of the following symptoms:
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Vomiting for more than four hours
• Fever in a child who is too quiet and less active than normal
• Severe neck stiffness
• Drowsiness, confusion, disorientation, or difficulty being roused
• Convulsions
• No urination for 12 hours
• Fever in an infant under 3 months old (100.2°F or greater)
Everyone is reminded that to help prevent the spread of the flu, there are several things you can do, including:
• Staying home from work, school, and errands when you are sick
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing
• Wash your hands often with soap and water especially after you cough or sneeze
Additional information is available at Parkview Health’s Web site; Fight the Flu Web site, and at the Centers for Disease Control Web site.
In September many hospitals, including Parkview Whitley Hospital limited visitors under 18 to protect patients.
For the protection of patients, hospitals put temporary restrictions on visitors in order to minimize the spread of H1N1 influenza.
No children or young people under the age 18 are allowed to visit patients, and only adult visitors at least 18 years of age will be allowed to visit patients. Visitors will be limited to two adults per patient.
Visitors are also asked not to bring anyone under the age of 18 into hospital waiting rooms unless the person is there for treatment.
Exceptions to the temporary restrictions of visitors may be granted for patients who are experiencing life-threatening health issues.
At this time, the Whitley County Health Department has depleted its stock of the H1N1 vaccines and sprays. However, the health department is currently offering standard flu vaccine injections.
Participants must show proof of (Whitley County) residency or be referred by a Whitley County doctor. The health department is located at 220 W. Van Buren St., Columbia City.
To schedule an appointment, or more information, call the Whitley County Health Department’s immunization clinic at 260-244-2310.
COLUMBIA CITY, Ind. — Parkview Home Health & Hospice has hosted a series of seasonal flu vaccination clinics throughout northeast Indiana since September. Due to greater demand this year, the supply of seasonal flu vaccine is running low and a number of scheduled clinics will need to be canceled.
The following vaccination clinics at Parkview Whitley Hospital in Columbia City have been canceled: Tuesday, Nov. 3, 10, 17 and 24, from 1:30-3:30 p.m.
INDIANAPOLIS -The Indiana Department of Homeland Security (IDHS) advises all Hoosiers to take responsibility for their families and communities before a disaster strikes. Emergencies, both natural and man-made, are present in the lives of today’s Hoosiers. Fires, H1N1 flu, severe weather and the resulting flooding pose a continuing threat to Hoosiers. It is not a matter of should you prepare, but how quickly can you be ready?
Hoosier citizens must join the effort of being prepared. Be prepared to care for yourself and your family during a disaster. “You cannot change an event such as severe weather, but you can change how you react to it and your level of personal capability,” said IDHS Executive Director Joe Wainscott. “During a disaster, being able to take care of your own needs, for even a short time, will help public safety professionals devote resources to assist those who need them most.”
During or immediately following a natural or manmade disaster federal, state and local emergency management agencies will be working extremely hard to provide emergency relief, and promote public safety and well-being. During wide spread or severe emergencies, however, assistance from these agencies may not be immediately available due to the type of emergency or the number of persons affected.
The best way to prepare for any emergency is to Get a kit. Make a plan. Be informed. Get involved.
To find out more about what to do in an emergency, visit the Indiana Department of Homeland Security website at www.in.gov/dhs and click on “Get Prepared.”
For breaking news and public advisories from IDHS, watch our facebook page or follow us on twitter at twitter.com/IDHS.
Follow twitter.com/INpublicSafety for emergency alerts and public safety advisories including updates about the H1N1 flu pandemic.
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