Flu vaccine shortage hits Brown County

By KEVIN SWEENEY

Journal Editor

NEW ULM -- The nationwide shortage of flu vaccine has hit Brown County this week.

New Ulm Medical Center reported on Friday that it is out of flu vaccine, and the Brown County Public Health office reported using the last of its vaccine in vaccination clinics on Wednesday and Thursday.

"There's a national shortage, so we're in the same situation as many other health care providers across the U.S.," said Dr. Joan Krikava, medical affairs director at the medical center. "No more vaccine will be available, so this makes it essential that everyone, especially those who weren't immunized, take extra precautions."

The Minnesota Department of Health has set up an influenza information toll-free number for greater Minnesota. People can call 1-800-657-3903 for information about influenza, influenza vaccination clinic locations and times and related information.

Brown County Public Health Director Anita Hoffman said the state is running low on vaccines, however.

Minnesota has had about four or five certified cases of flu, said Hoffman, none of them in Brown County or the region.

Krikava said influenza is an upper respiratory infection. It is caused by a virus and spread by droplets of moisture propelled into the air when infected people cough or sneeze, or when you touch nose secretions and then touch your eyes, nose or mouth.

"The most effective way to avoid the flu and other viruses is to wash your hands often," Krikava said. "Keep your hands away from your nose, eyes and mouth. If flu germs get on your hands, you can infect yourself by rubbing your eyes or touching your nose or mouth."

Here are other tips for avoiding the flu:

* Strengthen your resistance to infection with a good diet, plenty of rest and regular exercise.

* Don't share personal items like towels, washcloths, silverware, cups, glasses, straws or razors.

* Avoid crowds because you're more likely to encounter the virus. If you do get the flu, stay home, Going to work or school puts others at risk.

* Don't expose infants unnecessarily to crowds or close contact with other family members who may have been exposed.

The first signs of flu include a fever of 101 to 103 degrees, chills, sweats, muscle aches and headaches. After the onset of flu, symptoms include runny nose, cough, sore throat, watery eyes and eyes that may be sensitive to light, These symptoms usually last three to five days.

Drugs have been developed to treat certain strains of influenza and may help limit its severity. These drugs need to be prescribed by a physician and taken within 48 hours after the onset of flu. Antibiotics are not effective in treating the flu, Krikava said.

What to do if you get the flu:

* Take Tylenol for aches and fever. Because of the risk of Reyes syndrome, children should not be given aspirin for viral infections.

* Drink lots of fluids, especially warm fluids,

* Take hot, steamy showers to help loosen nasal and chest congestion. However, don't take especially hot showers if you have a fever of more than 100 degrees as the hot water may increase your temperature.

* Try gargling with warm salt water to case the discomfort of a sore throat.

* Use a cool mist vaporizer or humidifier in your bedroom to reduce congestion in the chest and nasal passages. Keep the vaporizer or moisturizer clean to avoid bacterial growth in the moist environment.

* Steep with your head elevated to help relieve nasal congestion.

* Take your temperature at least every four hours. Cool compresses applied to the forehead can help reduce fever and headaches.

* Avoid smoking or exposure to second-hand smoke.

* Wash your hands frequently and try to avoid close contact with others to limit the spread of the virus.