JEFFERSON — Local health officials fear the arrival of warmer weather may prompt people to drop their guard regarding the threat posed by flu, especially the troublesome H1N1 flu virus.
“We’re still technically in flu season,” said Ray Saporito, Ashtabula County health commissioner.
Last fall, local health departments geared up a series of clinics to immunize as many people as possible to ward off the so-called swine flu, or H1N1. The clinics provided free vaccine to thousands of county school kids and adults — but many people are still untreated.
Health experts realize when the sun is shining and birds are chirping, it’s tough to put a flu shot on a must-do list. Actually, illness can jump this time of year, thanks to people who rush the season.
“Spring is a prime time where we see a lot of viral diseases,” said Christine Hill, Ashtabula health commissioner.
For that reason, health agencies haven’t relaxed in their quest to immunize residents and to urge good hygiene to minimize the spread of germs.
“People shouldn’t let their guard down,” said Barb Distelrath, nursing director for Conneaut’s health department.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is reporting a nationwide lull in flu-related illness. However, most of the flu activity is blamed on the H1N1 strain, which popped up in 2009.
Over the past several months, local health departments met the challenge with a series of clinics in schools and locations across the county. Many were given the vaccine, but many more have ignored the call.
“People are still at risk,” Saporito said. “Flu comes in waves. It’s still best to get the vaccine.”
Treatment is free and plenty of vaccine is still on hand, officials said. Departments are offering H1N1 vaccine at their usual clinics.
A push is under way to convince kids under 10 who received an initial H1N1 immunization to return for a follow-up booster treatment, Hill said. “Some kids didn’t return for that second shot,” she said.
Ashtabula County have registered three clinically-confirmed cases of H1N1, but many more were suspected, officials said.
Local News
H1N1 flu still a threat
- Local News
-
-
5 homeless
Five people were left homeless Monday afternoon as fire ripped through a two story home at 1861 Footville Richmond Road.
-
Need for jobs tops county survey
Unemployment tops the list of community needs identified in a survey conducted late last year by the Ashtabula County Community Action Agency.
-
2 meth labs in 1 home
Acting on a tip, police found two working methamphetamine labs under one roof in an early Sunday morning raid at a Main Street house, said Police Chief Charles Burlingham.
-
More money woes for the Lake County sheriff
The Lake County Sheriff’s Officecut another five cars from its road patrol division last week.
-
East Sixth Street Cafe faces razing in spring
The city is tentatively set to raze the dilapidated East Sixth Street Cafe this spring, authorities said.
-
Eight indicted by grand jury
The following people have been indicted by the county grand jury. They are set for arraignment in Common Pleas Court.
-
Scamming for puppies
Pat Payment doesn’t have any puppies.
-
Commissioners hear concerns about sewers in Austinburg
Commissioners and Austinburg Township Trustees met Monday afternoon to review a lengthy punch list of items that need to be addressed before the county can accept the township’s sanitary sewer project.
-
Consultants to assess contaminated land
A consulting firm hired by the city to assess unused commercial and industrial land is fairly confident a study of the contaminated Astatic property can be properly completed, City Council learned at Monday’s work session.
-
Amputee takes one step at time
With measured breaths, Kevin Malloy stood up and began to walk.
- More Local News Headlines
-
