In the news today: What's happening with H1N1 flu

After weeks of steep increases,  the number of flu-like illnesses being reported in Washtenaw County saw a bit of a decline last week.

The number of cases of illness reported in the schools dropped to just more than 60 students out sick per 1,000 students last week from about 70 students per 1,000 students the previous week.

The number of lab-confirmed flu cases, presumably the swine flu or H1N1 flu virus, was fewer than 80 cases last week, down from about 90 the previous week, according to the Washtenaw County public health department.

While the numbers are still much higher for reported cases of flu than typically seen this time of year, it could be an encouraging sign.

"This could be a temporary lull or it could not be. We won't know for a few weeks," Laura Bauman, an epidemiologist for the county health department, said.

The next H1N1 flu vaccination clinic for Washtenaw County residents is this Saturday. The clinic is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Pioneer High School, 601 W. Stadium, in Ann Arbor.

The county expanded the groups eligible for the vaccination after a vaccination clinic at Eastern Michigan University last week. About 2,500 of the 4,000 doses available were distributed.

Those eligible at this vaccine clinic include:

• pregnant women;

• those who live with or provide care for infants younger than 6 months;

• health care workers who provide direct patient care;

• young people between the ages of 6 months through 24 years.

• Adults 25 and 64 years of age with conditions that put them at greater risk of having flu-related complications. Those conditions include neurological disorders, chronic lung conditions, immune disorders, cardiovascular disorders, diabetes, lung and liver disorders, chronic aspirin therapy and kidney disorders.

The department plans to distribute wristbands at the clinic that correlate with available doses of the vaccine to reduce lines and ensure those waiting will know whether they will receive a dose.

The vaccine is free and both flu shots and the FluMist will be available. Preservative-free vaccines will not be available at this clinic.

Some health care providers in Washtenaw county have received limited doses of the vaccine, but are largely allocating those for highest risk patients.

Anti-viral resistant strain of H1N1 found in Canada
A 59-year-old Canadian man developed a strain of Tamiflu-resistant H1N1 flu virus after taking the antiviral medication, researchers reported this week.

In a story posted by U.S. News and World Report, the man's 13-year-old asthmatic son, was hospitalized with the flu. Other family members, including the man, were given reduced doses of Tamiflu to prevent getting the disease - including the father.

Researchers believe he was likely already incubating the virus, but hadn't developed any symptoms yet.

The World Health Organization has reported some 45 cases of H1N1 swine flu that were resistant to the antiviral Tamiflu. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have cautioned against using the antiviral to prevent the disease in people who are symptomless.

Blood donations down
The Southeastern Michigan Red Cross is concerned about donations being much lower than usual and suspect the H1N1 flu virus may be to blame.

Fewer people are making and keeping appointments to donate blood, officials reported to WJBK Fox 2 Detroit this week.

For more information on donating blood to the Southeastern Michigan Red Cross, visit www.semredcross.org or the Washtenaw County Chapter of the American Red Cross.

Tina Reed covers health and the environment for AnnArbor.com. You can reach her at tinareed@annarbor.com, call her at 734-623-2535 or find her on Twitter @TreedinAA.