Science
(2009-10-20)
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Dr. Toral Shah examines Sammi Jiminez, 4, in a tent clinic where patients with flu symptoms are treated outside the emergency room at Dell Children's Hospital in Austin, Texas.
AP Photo
The resurgence of swine flu is underway in Washington. So far, it appears to be again impacting teenagers and children more than adults.
About a third of the high schools in King County are now reporting absenteeism over 10%. Middle schools are also seeing rising numbers of students out. That's typically one sign of a flu epidemic, along with reports from a network of medical practices and hospitals, says Jeff Duchin, chief epidemiologist for Public Health - Seattle & King County.
At hospitals, flu activity is monitored in terms of how many people show up with the flu, and those numbers are increasing, too. For example, at Seattle Children's Hospital, the Emergency Department had its third busiest day ever on Sunday (a 50% increase compared to a year ago). There may have been other factors involved, but it fits the pattern of the flu outbreak.
Unfortunately, there's not a lot you can do to protect yourself. The vaccine is the ultimate protection, but it's in short supply. Any children or young adults with asthma, or any other chronic health condition, should be among the first in line as more vaccine arrives. That's a good reason to keep in touch with your primary health provider, who may get access to vaccine before pharmacies.
For now, health experts say, stay away from people who are sick. And be serious about hand-washing. The swine flu is a minor illness for most people, but anyone with underlying health conditions should take it seriously.
Not sure if you have the flu? Wondering if or should call a doctor? The federal government's flu pages (FLU.gov, link below) have answers - including an online self-test.
