News From Terre Haute, Indiana

Local & Bistate

Discussion

Welcome to our online comments feature. We welcome your thoughts and your opinions, including unpopular ones. We ask only that you keep the conversation civil and clean. We reserve the right to remove comments that are obscene, racist or abusive and statements that are false or unverifiable as well as posts that are attacking other users. Repeat offenders will be blocked. You may flag objectionable comments for review by a moderator.
comments powered by Disqus
January 8, 2013

Flu-like illness on the rise

The Tribune-Star

TERRE HAUTE — Influenza-like illness is on the rise, according to the most recent weekly flu report from the Indiana State Department of Health.

Indiana, along with many other states, is experiencing a high level of influenza-like activity early on this season, with seven deaths being reported since November. By comparison, no influenza-related deaths had been reported at this time last year.

“We are now well into what appears to be a somewhat severe flu season,” said State Health Commissioner Gregory Larkin in a news release. It is not too late to become vaccinated, he said.

Terre Haute Regional Hospital’s emergency room is seeing an increase in influenza cases, said Cheryl McCarter, family nurse practitioner and director of occupational medicine and employee services. She did not have a specific number.

influenza cases at some of the businesses that she works with.

“The best defense is getting the flu shot,” McCarter said. Other important measures include washing hands and covering your mouth when you cough.

For those who develop flu symptoms, “If you can get to a health care provider within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms, there are treatment options available, and your physician can decide what they are,” McCarter said.

At Union Hospital’s emergency room, there have been more cases the first week of January than there were the first week of December, “but nothing significant” in terms of numbers, said Kim Perkins, director of public relations and marketing.

“It’s mostly nervous people, those who are having trouble getting into their primary care doctor, so they come to the hospital,” Perkins said.   

Flu shots are still available at the Vigo County Health Department Health Clinic for $20, cash only, said Sydney Elliott, health educator.

The Health Clinic is located at 696 South First St., across from Fairbanks Park. Call for an appointment at 812-462-3431.

According to the state Department of Health, the 2012-2013 vaccine protects against the three most common strains of influenza: H3N2, H1N1 and Influenza B.

Health officials say that although cases of H1N1 and Influenza B have been reported, the H3N2 strain appears to be predominant. The 2012-2013 vaccine appears to be a good match for circulating flu strains.

“Typically, H3N2 seasons tend to be more severe, with a higher number of hospitalizations and deaths,” Larkin stated. “Anyone experiencing flu-like symptoms should contact their health care provider, even if they have been vaccinated.”

Symptoms of the flu include a fever of 100 degrees Fahrenheit or greater; headache; fatigue; cough; muscle aches; sore throat.

Flu vaccination is recommended for anyone 6 months of age or older. It is especially important for those at higher risk of complications related to the flu to become vaccinated.

High risk individuals include pregnant women, young children, people with chronic illnesses and/or compromised immune systems and the elderly.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also recommends that all health care workers become vaccinated each year to protect themselves and their patients.

Some other tips to help protect against the spread of influenza include:

•  Properly wash your hands frequently with warm, soapy water.

• Cover your cough and sneeze with your arm or a disposable tissue.

• Stay home from school/work when you are sick to keep your germs from spreading.

According to the CDC, this flu season is shaping up to be one of the more severe in recent years.

In the last week of December, flu was widespread in 41 states; flu-related child and infant deaths climbed to 18 and outpatient visits for flu symptoms had also increased, the Associated Press reported.

Experts say the vaccine is well-matched to this year’s flu strains, but isn’t 100 percent effective. It does reduce the severity of the illness for those who do get it.

 

Text Only | Photo Reprints
Local & Bistate
Latest News
Community Calendar
Loading…
Events by eviesays.com
TribStar.com Poll
AP Video
Officials: Truck Hit Bridge Before Collapse Raw Video: Washington State Bridge Collapse Bridge Collapse Survivor: 'Rough Day' First Person: Mom Discusses Famous Tornado Photo Sheriff: No Sign Killing of 2 Kids Was Planned Jersey Shore Open for Business Boy Scouts Approve Plan to Accept Gay Boys Raw: Utah Teen Arrested in Death of His Brothers Raw: Scuffles in London After Hacking Death Two Suspects in Murder Known to London Police Obama Defends Drone Strikes, With Limits Officials: Tsarnaev Friend Linked to Slaying Raw: Jurors Deadlock on Jodi Arias Penalty Boy Scouts Decision "First Step" Say Activists Johnson: Don't Blame Islam or UK Policy Today in History May 24 Closer Look at Okla. School Where Children Died Raw: Memorial Day Flags Placed at Arlington Britain Attack Believed Linked to Radical Islam Obama:Sexual Assault Threatens Trust in Military
NDN Video
AK-47-wielding thug may be the most bumbling crook ever Oklahoma Survivors, Heroes Survey Damage Trout's cycle a boost for Angels Raw: New Video of Deadly Oklahoma Tornado Kim Kardashian Flaunts Pregnant Bikini Body in Greece NBA star pledges $1M to help tornado recovery Shakira's Shocking Talent Morgan Freeman falls asleep on air GRAPHIC: Blood-Soaked Machete Killer Caught on Tape Elin Nordegren Furious With Lindsey Vonn For Parading Kids in Public Camera Captures Climber As He Loses Grip And Falls Helen Mirren Meets with Dying Boy in Queen Elizabeth's Place Crowd Chants '¡Si, Se Puede!' After Passage of Immigration Bill DWTS Crowns a Winner Police Ram House to End Hostage Standoff Demi Moore a Rocks Bikini at Harry Morton's Family House Anthony Weiner: I'm running for New York City mayor Kate Middleton's Dress Flies Up VIRAL: Baby makes epic soccer goal The Hangover Baby All Grown Up
Parade
Magazine
Click HERE to read all your Parade favorites including Hollywood Wire, Celebrity interviews and photo galleries, Food recipes and cooking tips, Games and lots more.
  • -

     

    March 12, 2010

activity
Real Estate News