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Swine flu activity decreasing in Florida
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Swine flu activity decreases in Florida
After weeks of widespread swine flu activity across the state of Florida, the Department of Health (DOH) is now reporting a decline in the activity of the virus. Moreover, the A/H1N1 strain does not appear to have mutated to a more virulent form either within the state or across the nation.
That’s good news. However DOH officials warn that as the holidays near with increased travel, shopping and generally more potential exposure to crowded situations, there is always the chance of a resurgence of cases. So far there have been over 1000 Floridians hospitalized with swine flu and 149 deaths attributed to the disease.
Early in October, vaccine manufacturers notified the government of unanticipated production delays tied to growing the A/H1N1 swine flu virus in millions of chicken eggs. The antiquated process, also used for seasonal flu vaccine production, has taken much longer than expected.
As a result, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cut early national estimates of 160 million doses of the vaccine by the end of October, to just under 30 million doses. To date, Florida has received more than 1 million does of swine flu vaccine, and not all high-priority targeted groups have received it.
Those at highest risk for complications from swine flu include pregnant women, children under the age of than 5 and those with chronic diseases. Individuals over age 65 are least likely to contract the A/H1N1 strain, although they are at high risk of serious illness if infected.
Children below age of 10 should receive two doses of the swine flu vaccine, four weeks apart. These can be a combination of injection and nasal spray. Those above age 10 need only a single dose. Infants less than 6 months old should not get the vaccine.
Even those who have already been sick with flu earlier this fall are encouraged to receive the swine flu vaccine - unless they have tested positive for that strain
Until enough vaccine is available for everyone who needs it, the DOH continues to recommend basic hygiene – especially hand washing, covering mouth and nose when sneezing- and above all, staying home with flu symptoms.
For more information: Read other Examiner.com swine flu updates
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