As the number of flu-related symptoms rise in Elbert County,
Elbert County Health and Environment is prepared, whether it be for
the seasonal flu season or the H1N1 season.
Director MarySue Liss said flu cases are increasing at the
public health building and it is a mixture of both seasonal and
H1N1 flu. She said most people affected by the H1N1 flu range from
as young as infants to the age of forty. People older than 40 are
affected more by the seasonal flu.
Liss said schools in the county are seeing an increase of
students with flu-like symptoms. She said the department knew the
schools would be hit this year, so they provided a round table in
August for all the schools in the county providing information on
how the school could handle the flu season.
“We provided information from the state health department
guidelines and manuals that gave specific information for the
schools,” she said. “This way the school would know ahead of time
what to expect and how to handle the students.”
Liss said a person with flu symptoms is not currently required
to be tested for H1N1. Those who feel it unnecessary to go to a
physician are asked to stay at home for at least 24 hours after
symptoms have subsided. Anyone with more serious symptoms who might
be at risk for complications with H1N1 or seasonal flu should see a
physician.
People considered at risk include:
infants and young children
pregnant women
people 65 years of age and older
people of any age with lung disease (including asthma), heart
disease, weakened immune systems from cancer, HIV or
immunosuppressive medications
people with kidney disease, diabetes or neurological and
neuromuscular diseases
people younger than 19 years old with diseases requiring
long-term aspirin therapy and individuals with other chronic
diseases
Liss said the H1N1 vaccine should be available by the middle of
October. Once the vaccine arrives in Elbert County it will
initially be offered to a first tier of priority groups including
pregnant women, caretakers of infants younger than six months old,
healthcare and emergency medical services personnel with direct
patient contact, children 6 months to four years of age and
children up to 18 years old with underlying health conditions.
After the priority groups have been vaccinated, the vaccine will be
available to the rest of the public.
Liss said people can work to avoid the flu by using common
sense, washing their hands frequently, using hand sanitizer and
avoiding touching their eyes, nose and mouth.
“Just take good care of yourself,” she said. “If you are feeling
sick, stay home until you feel better.”
Liss said a good tool for people with flu questions is the 2009
H1N1 Influenza Information link on the Colorado Department of
Public Health and Environment Web site, www.cdphe.state.co.us. She said
the Web site answers basic questions, provides tips on how to avoid
the flu and how to treat flu symptoms.
For information from the Elbert County Health and Environment
department visit www.echealth.org or call
303-621-3144.
