Dec. 23--EL PASO -- With only three lab-confirmed cases of influenza reported in the past three months, health officials are declaring a mild flu season for El Paso so far.
Dr. Hector Ocarranza, a pediatrician and medical director of the city of El Paso Department of Public Health, attributed the low number of cases to "a successful flu vaccine outreach campaign."
Also, this year's flu vaccine appears to be effective against the current flu strain.
"Last year, the vaccine was not as accurate and effective as this year's," said Dusty Warden, outreach coordinator for Immunize El Paso, which inoculated more than 15,000 people since September, about the same number as the city clinics.
Shawn Davis, 39, a dialysis patient, gets a flu shot each year to prevent complications. "I got one in September through Immunize El Paso, and I get one every year," Davis said. "Thanks to that, I can't remember when I last had the flu. If I come down with a cold, it's just a runny nose and a low-grade fever, and it doesn't last long."
Ocarranza said the flu is like a severe cold, with fever, body aches, cough, congestion, fatigue and other symptoms that run longer than an average cold. "The vaccine is important because the flu can lead to pneumonia," he said.
The flu season doesn't peak until around March, and people can catch the virus while traveling or when visiting people who are sick.
Brian D. Zweber, Visiting Nurse Association vice president of business development, which also
administers the flu shot, said, "There is no vaccine shortage this year. Manufacturers tell us it's still readily available."
The state's active surveillance of flu cases is helping Texas health officials keep better track of flu activity. Influenza has been reported in all parts of the state.
"We can expect the flu to turn up again in January, and the surveillance helps us to see where it might show up next," Ocarranza said.
Diana Washington Valdez may be reached at dvaldez@elpasotimes.com; 546-6140.
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