One local flu case reported so far but more expected

Jane Palmer, nursing supervisor at North Central Public Health District, said bcause flu is not a reportable virus, there are probably more people in the county who have gotcome down with the flu.

“When students start to go back to school after (Christmas) break, we would expect to see more reported cases,” she said.

She said if residents wait until then to get a flu shot it may be too late.

If anyone already has a fever or is coming down with a virus a flu shot would not help, she said.

Palmer said anyone who spends time with infants, has a chronic underlying health condition like asthma or is pregnant should definitely get a flu shot.

Fears of a flu shot getting people sick, are overstated and just not accurate, Palmer said.

“I know a lot of people feel they may have gotten the flu from the shot, but it does not contain a live virus,” she said.

For that reason, she said standard flu shots cannot get people sick. The cost of a flu shot is $20-30 and they are available at all area pharmacies and physician’s offices, Palmer said.

Walgreen Pharmacist Steve Shepardson said in Oregon anyone at least 11-years-old does not need a prescription to get a flu shot. It typically takes about 15 minutes to fill out the necessary paperwork. Those between 7 and 11 do need a prescription to get a flus shot, he said.

He said getting a flu shot is less painful than in previous years, because companies are using smaller needles. “I think there is no pain at all, but some of my younger customers might disagree with that,” he said.

Pardson said he has given many flu shot already this year and encourages residents to get their annual shot soon.

Palmer said everyone should take certain precautions this time of year to protect themselves and others.

She reminds everyone to cover their mouth when coughing or sneezing, to wash hands regularly, clean hard surfaces like counters — flu germs can live for hours on hard surfaces — and stay home if one gets sick.

For more information call 541-506-2600 or visit the health district’s website at www.ncphd.org.