For Information Contact:

Oneida County Health Department
 798-5747

The Oneida County Health Department urges Oneida County residents to protect themselves from this year’s severe flu season by consulting with their physicians now for vaccinations or medications.

"The severity of the flu in Western states is a cause for awareness, but not panic," said Oneida County Executive Joseph A. Griffo. "Throughout October and November, Oneida County Health Department clinics and local physicians vaccinated hundreds, if not thousands, of Oneida County residents. Vaccinations will offer some protection against this flu. That’s why we are urging anyone who waited for a vaccine to take action now."

"We know from national accounts that this year’s vaccine may not carry the full clout against the flu that other years’ vaccines have had, but the vaccine remains the most powerful action area residents can take to provide protection for themselves and their families," said Oneida County Health Department Director Eric W. Faisst. "We are living in a time when new disease, and new strains of existing diseases, are putting our nation’s health systems to the test. We in Oneida County have worked in cooperation with regional partners in the health care system to provide protection against the flu, and now to help minimize impact now that December is here."

Faisst said there have been no reported cases of flu to date in Oneida County.

Although Faisst said that the Oneida County Health Department has no scheduled clinics until Health Department stocks have been replenished, flu vaccines are available at most physicians’ offices and are usually covered by some form of insurance. Although Faisst noted that flu vaccine for the traditional flu shots is in short supply this year because of increased demand, many doctors offer flu vaccine "nasal spray" for healthy individuals 5-49.

"If you are not sure what to do, call your doctor or the Health Department," Faisst said. "I urge any residents at risk for serious illness from the flu, particularly our older residents, to act now if they have not already done so in order to build up immunity for the coming months. Although media accounts have described flu outbreaks in various parts of the country, Oneida County’s flu season usually peaks around January. A flu shot now will help ward off the full blow of this year’s very serious flu virus. We have taken steps to ensure that Herkimer County residents, many of whom work in Oneida County and next to Oneida County residents, have also had a chance to secure the protection offered by vaccinations. The flu doesn’t stop at the county line."

Faisst said during this year’s severe flu season, Oneida County residents should consult their doctors if they are experiencing flu-like symptoms or have been exposed to the flu, so they can begin taking medications that will reduce the flu’s impact.

Influenza, commonly known as the "flu" is a virus that infects the throat, nose and lungs. Anyone can get the flu, but it is most serious in the elderly, in people with chronic underlying illnesses such as emphysema, diabetes and heart disease, or in those with weakened immune systems.

The flu can easily spread from person to person through droplets from the nose and throat of an infected person during coughing and sneezing. The period when the flu can be spread to others is the day before symptoms appear and extends for about a week during your illness.

Typical symptoms include headache, fever, chills, cough and body aches. Stomach symptoms are uncommon. Most people are ill for only a few days. Some people have a much more serious illness and may need hospitalization.

Frequent hand washing can reduce the spread of viruses that cause the flu. Respiratory viruses can stay alive for many hours on surfaces like doorknobs, elevator buttons and railings. If you rub your eyes or nose afterward, the germs get into your body and make you sick. To reduce illness, carry a waterless hand gel and use it often. Be sure to wash your hands with soap and water every time you go to the bathroom. To reduce the spread of viruses, when you cough or sneeze, always cover your mouth and nose with a tissue and dispose of it properly.

Persons at risk for more serious complications from the flu:

• Persons 50 years of age or older.
• Adults and children with chronic, long term health problems-such as heart or lung conditions, kidney disease, asthma, HIV/AIDS or any illness that suppresses the immune system.
• Healthy pregnant women who will be in their second and third trimester during flu season.

Flu shots are also recommended for:

• Children 6-23 months old ( children younger than two years have one of the highest rates of hospitalizations from the influenza)
• Close contacts of those at risk: Household member or caregiver; healthcare worker.
• Household member or caregiver of children under 2 (children under 6 months cannot get a flu shot, but are at risk for severe disease).

Because flu often leads to pneumonia, at risk individuals should also receive pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPV) which protects against 23 types of pneumococcal bacteria. One dose of PPV usually will confer lifetime immunity to persons over 65.

For more information call the Oneida County Health Department at 798-5747 from 8:30 am to 4:30pm or check the web site at www.co.oneida.ny.us.