Douglas County Health Department Confirms First Case of Influenza A

      The first case of influenza A for this season has been confirmed in Douglas County, according to Dr. Adi Pour, director of the Douglas County Health Department.  The patient was an adult male who has recovered. 

            “We were anticipating that our first case of influenza A might arrive about this time,” Dr. Pour said.  “With the flu in our community, the Health Department is encouraging those who have not received this year’s vaccine to do so as soon as possible.”

            Sporadic cases of the less-severe influenza B-type were earlier confirmed.

            The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention now encourages everyone over six months of age to get immunized as soon as possible against the seasonal influenza.  Pregnant women are especially encouraged to be vaccinated.

            Basic good health practices, like handwashing, covering your cough and staying home when sick also will help slow the spread of the flu.

            The new 2010-2011 seasonal flu vaccine is available from private providers throughout Douglas County and protects against three strains of influenza including the strain of H1N1 that caused last season’s pandemic. There is expected to be an adequate supply of doses for everyone who wants to be vaccinated. People are advised to get their flu shots as soon as possible, since it takes up to two weeks before the vaccine can provide any immunity.

            An average of 5 to 20 percent of the U.S. population gets the flu every year. Flu complications annually cause more than 200,000 people to be hospitalized.  About 36,000 people in the United States die from the flu or flu-related complications in a typical year.