First influenza case confirmed in Washtenaw County
The first case of influenza has been confirmed in Washtenaw County, the county Public Health Department announced today.
“The individual had traveled over Thanksgiving and returned home,” said Susan Cerniglia, public information officer for the Health Department. “Around the state, multiple cases have been confirmed. We’re definitely starting to see it.”
The onset of the flu season in 2009-2010 started early, startling health officials and prompting mass vaccinations in Washtenaw County. This season looks to be more typical.
“The peak doesn’t typically happen until late January or February,” Cerniglia said.
There have been six cases of the flu confirmed statewide in the past week, according to Health Department officials.
Flu-related deaths typically range in the thousands annually due to complications like pneumonia. Bronchitis, ear infections and sinus infections are other examples of flu-related complications that can result in hospitalization. The flu makes chronic problems like asthma and heart failure worse.
Cerniglia said the flu shot is in abundant supply. The Health Department is urging residents to receive a flu vaccine to allow the body enough time to build immunity.
The swine flu, known officially as the 2009 H1N1 virus, is covered in this year’s regular flu vaccination, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The H1N1 flu vaccine was in hot demand last year.
File photo: AnnArbor.com
In 2009, the swine flu showed up and peaked at unexpected times, sparking a global pandemic. The CDC declared the public health emergency over on June 23 in the U.S., while the pandemic ended globally Aug. 10.
New in 2010, the CDC is recommending everyone 6 months and older get a flu vaccine as it becomes available, a more comprehensive recommendation than in years past, health department officials said.
The 2010-2011 shot covers three types of influenza predicted by the World Health Organization as most at risk of showing up in the flu season mix. The latest shot covers the H3N2 virus, an influenza B virus, and the 2009 H1N1 virus. The mix changes every year.
Where to get the flu shot:
Flu vaccines are available from area pharmacies, local health care providers and at Washtenaw County Public Health.
- Public Health scheduled an additional flu vaccination clinic Monday, Dec. 20, from 2 to 4 p.m. Appointments are available at (734) 544-6700.
- Google’s flu vaccine finder is available at www.google.com/flushot
Juliana Keeping is a health and environment reporter for AnnArbor.com. Reach her at julianakeeping@annarbor.com or 734-623-2528. Follow Juliana Keeping on Twitter
Comments
Veracity
Thu, Dec 16, 2010 : 11:19 a.m.
As a physician allow me to assure the readership that influenza immunization is safe and effective. While the flu shot may prevent influenza in 72% or more of those immunized, the immunized who do contract the disease usually have mild symptoms. Furthermore, a "cocoon" effect is created as increasing members of a population get immunized. That is, people who are not immunized, or receive less protection from immunization, will be less likely exposed to influenza as more people around them become immunized. You have to be exposed to the influenza virus to contract the disease. BTW, immunization should not reduce each individual's effort to avoid exposure by staying away from sick people and washing hands frequently.
Susan Cerniglia
Thu, Dec 16, 2010 : 9:57 a.m.
No, there is no such thing as vaccinating too early in the flu season. More detailed info: If you were vaccinated earlier this year, and your system has had time to produce immunity against the strains included in this year's flu vaccine, you are protected for the entire season (and likely beyond). Building immunity may take up to 14 days after vaccination, which is why we encourage vaccination before influenza starts circulating widely in our area. Since we only have one confirmed case, it's very likely people can still get vaccinated and build immunity before they are exposed to the virus locally. Also, this years vaccine is looking like a very good match to the strains that are beginning to circulate. -Susan Cerniglia, Washtenaw County Public Health
Cash
Thu, Dec 16, 2010 : 5:19 a.m.
A2Susie, I am in the same situation. Lets hope that Susan comes back and posts! Susan Cerniglia, Thank you for that information!
A2Susie
Wed, Dec 15, 2010 : 5:41 p.m.
I received my flu shot in mid-September and I'm concerned that it will no longer be effective when flu rates peak. How long is the shot supposed to be protective?
Susan Cerniglia
Wed, Dec 15, 2010 : 4:23 p.m.
No, the individual was not vaccinated. No vaccine is 100% effective, and a person may still become ill with influenza. Vaccinated individuals are unlikely to become seriously ill. Susan Cerniglia, Washtenaw County Public Health
Snehal
Wed, Dec 15, 2010 : 4:10 p.m.
Did this person got a flu shot this year?