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Yeah, Flu Has Arrived, But Not Enough To Bug The Experts

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By KEITH MORELLI | The Tampa Tribune

Published: February 21, 2008

TAMPA -- If you think the flu shot you got in October will carry you through the flu season, which lasts through March, you may be in for a sick awakening.

Hillsborough County Health Department Director Doug Holt said he has noticed a rise in diagnoses of flu, with a variety of areas reporting cases.

Warren McDougle, epidemiology program manager for the health department, confirmed there has been an increase. He said it happens every year about this time and that the numbers are normal.

In the first week of February, he said, health care providers reported 16 cases of influenza to his department. Last week 34 cases were confirmed. This week the number dropped to 25.

"It's flu season," he said. "We haven't seen anything indicating anything widespread throughout the community. If we saw an unusual spike, we would be calling you. This is not out of the ordinary."

Health officials say flu kills 40 to 50 people in this area every year.

Flu shots are delivered en masse in October and November, said Lori Wright, who is with the Florida Department of Health's bureau of immunization. "That's the peak season for flu shots," she said.

The current increase should serve as a reminder for people to take precautions, McDougle said.

"Since we have the flu in the community," he said, "it's up to each person to take precautions." Hand washing, covering mouths when sneezing in public and keeping away from people who are sneezing will help, he said.

"If you are sick," McDougle said, "stay home from work. If you don't, the next thing you know, we're all sick."

Health officials have identified different strains of influenza and typically develop vaccines that treat the strains they expect to see. Outbreaks of unexpected strains can spread unchecked, since vaccines take months to make and deliver.

Also, shots don't work immediately. It takes 10 days to two weeks before the vaccine makes the body resistant to the viruses.

Reporter Keith Morelli can be reached at (813) 259-7760 or kmorelli@tampatrib.com.

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