Health Department Reports Widespread Flu Activity In The State
Vaccine Supplies Getting Low in State and at National Level

CDC website on influenza
Click here to view state map

December 5, 2003

Little Rock — Reporting by physicians, hospitals and state surveillance clearly indicates that influenza (flu) is causing higher than normal illness and three probable deaths in Arkansas in high risk groups and illness and death nationally. Flu season usually begins in late December or early January, but today, Dr. Sandra Snow, medical director for Communicable Disease/Immunizations reported widespread influenza-like illness in 68 of the state’s 75 counties (see attached map). Dr. Snow says, “The best prevention for not getting the flu is the flu shot. However, the Health Department’s vaccine supply — as well as the national vaccine supply — is getting low. We encourage those Arkansans that have not been immunized, especially young children and the elderly, to check with their local health units, private physicians, pharmacists, and other health care providers for vaccine availability. The health department highly encourages people to follow simple protective measures that include: washing their hands with warm water and soap as often as possible; covering their nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing; staying at home when ill; staying away from crowds whenever possible; and keeping infants and the elderly away from those that are ill.”

Most individuals will develop immunity from flu two weeks after receiving a shot. In spite of what some people believe, the flu shot will not give someone the flu.

In a typical year, roughly 36,000 Americans die from complications of the flu. The risk of complications and death is higher among:

• Persons aged 50 and above;

• Residents of nursing homes and other chronic care facilities that house people with chronic medical conditions;
  

• Adults and children who have chronic disorders of pulmonary or cardiovascular systems, including asthma;
  

• Adults and children who require regular medical follow-up or hospitalization during the preceding year because of chronic metabolic diseases including diabetes, renal dysfunction, hemoglobinopathies and immunodeficiency caused by medications or HIV/AIDS;
  

• Children and teenagers (six months – eighteen years) who are receiving long-term aspirin therapy and, therefore, may be at risk for developing Reye Syndrome after influenza infection;
  

• Women who will be in the second or third trimester of pregnancy during the flu season.
  

• Children 6-23 months of age and their close contacts

Influenza virus passes from an infected person to a healthy person via nasal secretions or droplets produced through coughing or sneezing. It can cause fever, chills, headache, cough, sore throat and muscle aches. If an individual contracts the flu, antiviral drugs are available that can ease the symptoms.

High-risk groups should also get a pneumoccocal vaccination because of potential complications like bacterial pneumonia. For more information on obtaining this vaccine, contact your private medical provider.

For more information on influenza, click on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website at www.cdc.gov.

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