The flu is causing more problems in
long term care facilities and a few day care centers across the state than it
is in public schools according to the state Flu Coordinator Shannon McBee.
“I would expect high-levels of flu
activity at least through January, mid-February,” McBee said.
There hasn’t been an outbreak reported
in public schools. McBee said it appears counties have locked in to the joint
campaign of the state Bureau of Public Health and the state Department of
Education.
“That’s a good indication that our
campaign has had some effect and people are adhering to our prevention messages
about washing your hands, covering your cough and sneezes and staying home when
you are sick,” McBee said.
A couple of things have contributed to
this year’s outbreak. The season started earlier than normal and a federal
government report issued Thursday said this year’s flu vaccine has only been 23
percent effective.
McBee said there are a lot of viruses
going around and some are close to the flu but not exactly. She said the flu
has a few distinct characteristics.
“Influenza is marked by a fever greater than 100-F with a cough
and/or sore throat and most people experience body aches or chills,” she said.
