County sees first case of H1N1 swine flu

Wahkiakum County has experienced its first case of H1N1 swine flu, Health and Human Services Director Judy Bright reported Tuesday.

The case involved an 11 year-old child who was recently hospitalized whose health was somewhat weak because of other medical conditions, she said.

“We’re pleased to report that the patient has been released from the hospital and has fully recovered,” she said.

Public health officials are preparing for the start of the flu season. County Health Officer Barbara Vines said Tuesday officials are collecting vaccine doses for both swine and regular seasonal flu strains and they're scheduling clinics to administer them.

Vines expects the county will receive its normal number of doses of vaccine for seasonal flu, but there will be a smaller number of doses for swine flu.

Because swine flu seems most virulent among children, the doses will first go to children and those who work with them, she said. The priority list is:

--Pregnant women;

--People who live with or care for children younger than 6 months of age;

--Healthcare and emergency medical services personnel;

--People between 6 months and 24 years old, and

--People 25 through 64 years of age who are at higher risk for H1N1 because of chronic health disorders or compromised immune systems.

Because people age 65 and older have a lower risk for H1N1 infection, the Center for Disease Control recommends vaccinating this group as supply and demand for vaccine among younger age groups is met, she said.

The seasonal flu vaccine won't protect against swine flu, Vines said, but health officials recommend vaccinations to keep people healthy and less susceptible to swine flu.

Vines said seasonal flu vaccinations could start in September, as soon as the vaccination doses have arrived.

Bright said she has met with administrators of both public schools and the St. James Family Center to discuss how to deal with the illnesses. The key principle is to stay home if one is feeling ill or has a fever.

In a statement released Tuesday afternoon, Bright said that each morning, parents and caregivers should check their children and other family members for flu symptoms such as fever and cough or sore throat. Ill children and adults should stay home.

Other ways to prevent the spread of germs, including the H1N1 virus, include:

--Cover coughs and sneezes; cough or sneeze into a tissue or into the arm.

--Wash hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.

--Avoid touching the eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.