Health officials release figures on H1N1 flu impact

By ERIC LINDBERG — Dec. 5, 2009

A total of 54 people have been hospitalized in Santa Barbara County in connection with the H1N1 flu pandemic since mid-June, while five people have died as a result of the influenza strain, public health officials said in a weekly update.

Those hospitalized range in age from 12 days old to 82 years old, authorities said, while the five deaths occurred in individuals with underlying medical conditions. Health officials said they are hopeful that vaccine supplies will soon be made available to all community members who are seeking an H1N1 vaccination.

“Although the rate of infection has slowed down, the prevalence of H1N1 flu is still at epidemic levels and still causing severe illness and death in the county,” according to the County Public Health Department update. “The health department continues to stress the need for personal responsibility to decrease the spread of disease and to seek care immediately if a person has a high-risk condition and flu symptoms.”

Due to increased travel and public interaction during the holiday season, health officials offered a series of tips for preventing the spread of influenza and other disease.

Among the suggested practices are frequent hand washing after direct contact with others or before eating; avoidance of touching the mouth, nose and eyes; covering coughs and sneezes, followed by hand cleansing; and avoiding sick people and staying home if sick.

During 13 community clinics, public health officials have administered the vaccine to more than 10,000 residents, while local physicians have given out an additional 50,000 doses. Those eligible for the vaccine include everyone except health adults who are 25 years old or older.

Four vaccination clinics are scheduled for the coming week, including one today in Santa Maria and another on Monday in Santa Barbara. Vaccines will be offered at the following locations and dates.

-Santa Maria Public Health Clinic, 2115 S. Centerpointe Parkway, today from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

-Earl Warren Showgrounds, 3400 Calle Real, Monday from 3 to 7 p.m.

-Lompoc Methodist Church, 301 North R St., Thursday from 3 to 7 p.m.

-Carpinteria Fire Station, 911 Walnut Ave., December 12 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.?More information about the H1N1 flu and the vaccine is available by calling a public hotline at 888-722-6358 or visiting www.sbcfluinfo.org.

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Buffet caution : 12/6/2009

Don't forget that if you eat at a buffet, use a napkin to hold the serving utensils to dish yourself up. People are eating, wiping their mouths, etc, and all using the same serving utensils. Yuck!!!

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