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Health Officials Ready For Flu Season

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By CARL ORTH

The Suncoast News

Published: September 28, 2008

With sauna-like summer days lingering on, people might not be focused yet on the fall flu season.

Big mistake, county health officials caution.

Pasco County Health Department already has begun stockpiling some vaccines, according to Carol Cummins, nursing director.

A record amount of vaccine, up to 146 million doses, is expected to be distributed this fall.

Plans are set for two Drive Through Flu Shot events - Oct. 16 and Oct. 20 - where drivers don't even have to get out of their cars to get a shot in the arm against flu bugs.

"We have some flu vaccine already and we are expecting more," Cummins said. "We plan to be just as active as always to be sure that the flu vaccine is given."

The health department is "encouraging all children ages 6 months and older to get the vaccine as they are a major carrier of the virus," Cummins added.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention wants all citizens, especially the very young and senior citizens, to get these much-needed immunizations, said Deanna Krautner, health education and communication coordinator for the county health agency.

To spread the word before the flu bugs spread, the health department has a team of public health nurses that is available to speak to clubs, civic associations or church groups about the need for flu, pneumonia and tetanus shots, Krautner pointed out.

For instance, CDC recommends all children between ages 6 months and 18 years get inoculated, unless they have a serious egg allergy. The guidelines used to recommend flu shots for children under 5 or those with chronic illnesses such as asthma.

To make it easier than ever to get a flu vaccine shot, the health department once again is sponsoring its popular Drive Through Flu Shot program.

"Get a flu shot in the comfort of your own car!" a headline blares on fliers the health department is passing out.

The events will take place from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 16, at St. Michael the Archangel Church, 8014 S.R. 52, Hudson and 9 a.m. to noon at Centennial Middle School, 38505 Centennial Road, Dade City.

People can pay the $25 drive-through flu shot fee with cash or check.

For more information, visit the Pasco health department site at www.doh.state.fl.us/chdpasco.

There are five Pasco County Health Department centers offering flu shots. To schedule appointments:

• 10841 Little Road, New Port Richey, (727) 861-5260

• 4717 Airport Road, Zephyrhills, (813) 782-1740

• 11511 Denton Ave., Hudson, (727) 863-2444

• 3941 15th St., Dade City, (352) 521-1450

• 4135 Land O' Lakes Blvd, Land O' Lakes, (813) 558-5173

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

• Influenza ("flu") is a contagious disease.

• It is caused by the influenza virus, which can be spread by coughing, sneezing or nasal secretions.

• Other illnesses can have the same symptoms and are often mistaken for influenza. But only an illness caused by the influenza virus is really the flu.

• Anyone can get influenza, but rates of infection are highest among children. For most people, it lasts only a few days.

• It can cause: fever, sore throat, chills, fatigue, cough, headache and muscle aches

• Influenza can lead to pneumonia and can be dangerous for people with heart or breathing conditions.

Source: Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

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