Flu finally finds Grant County
Health officials confident at least two cases discovered
COLUMBIA BASIN — Officials at the Grant County Health District reported cases of Influenza A late last week.
Dr. Alexander Brzezny, Grant County Health Officer, said that there is a 95 percent chance that at least two cases are positive for Influenza A. "Grant County had nothing until last week, so we have to assume it is being brought in from somewhere else, which is to be expected," he said, adding that people have been traveling more during the holidays.
Influenza, a viral infection, can be caused by three viruses. Influenza A usually results in larger outbreaks and is a virus that is continuously changing, whereas types B and C are often known for causing smaller outbreaks and milder illnesses.
Brzezny emphasized that these are the first cases reported in Grant County for the 2004-2005 flu season and that as doctors request more tests to confirm diagnosis of the flu, it is an indicator that doctors are seeing more patients with flu symptoms.
Flu-like symptoms may include a fever, body ache, runny or stuffy nose, sore throat and lack of energy.
On a state level, Brzezny said there has been an increase since the end of December. "On Dec. 28 the Department of Health reported a total of 38 cases, while on Jan. 6 confirmed 49, which shows a 25 percent increase."
Despite the increase, Brzezny said it has been a mild season for the flu considering the shortage of vaccines available.
Since flu season does not usually peak until February, health officials said it is not too late to receive a flu vaccination.
It can take up to two weeks to develop an immunity to the flu after vaccination.
According to the GCHD the number of flu vaccines for high risk groups has improved as the state previously reallocated its flu vaccines to counties which were made available through the Centers for Disease Control. Grant County received 3,270 vaccines from that redistribution.
While the health order restricting vaccines only to high risk groups has been lifted, health care providers are still advised to give priority to those in high risk groups.
Those at high risk include the following: persons aged two to 49 years of age with underlying chronic medical conditions; all children aged six to 23 months old; all adults 50 years and older; all women who will be pregnant during the influenza season; residents of nursing homes and long-term care facilities; children aged six months to 18 years on chronic aspirin therapy; health-care workers involved in direct patient care; out-of-home caregivers and household contacts of children less than six months of age; and out-of-home caregivers and household contacts of persons in high-risk groups.
People who are healthy and between the ages of five and 49, but are not considered high risk can receive live influenza vaccine that can be administered nasally and can also be distributed to certain healthy individuals aged five to 49 in the listed priority groups. A limited amount of this form of the flu vaccine is available at the health district for $24.
Health district immunization clinics are held at the courthouse in Ephrata on Mondays from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., and at the Moses Lake office on Tuesdays from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
To avoid contracting the flu, health officials advise people to avoid close contact with those who are sick and to stay at home if flu-like symptoms develop. Residents are also encouraged to practice good hygiene habits such as frequently washing hands, covering the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing and avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth where germs can be easily spread. Individuals who believe they have the flu should seek consultation from a health care provider.