Feb. 23--The H1N1, or swine flu, frenzy has died down, but the illness' threat is still real, according to Janie Cambron, regional epidemiologist for the Green River District Health Department.
Daviess County still has an ample supply of the swine flu vaccine after the health department distributed almost 31,000 doses in its seven-county service area.
"We've been very fortunate that we have not had any deaths in our area," Cambron said. "There have been 39 deaths from H1N1 in the state, with 33 out of the 39 having underlying medical conditions. This means that six otherwise healthy individuals lost their lives due to H1N1."
Meanwhile, the seasonal flu, which is currently in its peak period throughout the winter months, has had fewer reported cases than normal.
"H1N1 seems to be the predominate strain of flu that we've been seeing thus far," Cambron said.
Cambron said that while nearly 31,000 swine flu doses is a sizable number, many more people could've taken the vaccine. GRDHD held clinics late last year, but due to a lower demand now, the health department has switched to appointment-only distribution.
"I think the public did take the threat seriously, but because the disease has been mild to moderate overall, people may not have thought that the vaccine was necessary," she said.
To date, more than 57 million Americans contracted swine flu, according to estimates from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.
Worldwide, more than 212 countries have reported laboratory confirmed cases of swine flu, including at least 15,921 deaths. Pediatric deaths have been high, with 274 deaths reported, including two last week.
"While the number of cases has decreased, we are still seeing cases in the GRDHD area," Cambron said.
Owensboro Medical Health System spokesman Gordon Wilkerson said the hospital and its local clinics have treated a relatively low number patients for seasonal flu. OMHS has given 3,404 seasonal vaccines at its Daviess County facilities and 1,501 swine flu vaccines.
"We believe that the number of patients with flu has remained low because people have practiced good prevention," he said. "Covering coughs, sneezes and washing hands are all important measures to take to prevent the spread of infection."
Many people, he said, have also protected themselves by getting vaccinated to help lower their risk for getting either swine or seasonal flu.
"Continuing good hygiene is important as H1N1 does not have time limitations," Wilkerson said. "We saw patients with it last summer and are still seeing some now."
To make an appointment with the health department, call 686-7747. The vaccine is free.
Rich Suwanski, 691-7315, rsuwanski@messenger-inquirer.com
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