No significant flu outbreaks in SBC

Vaccinations available for seasonal, H1N1 flus
While San Benito County public health officials are continuing
to monitor the spread of H1N1, a local health official said none of
the schools have reported an absenteeism rate of more than 10
percent since classes went back into session in August.
Vaccinations available for seasonal, H1N1 flus

While San Benito County public health officials are continuing to monitor the spread of H1N1, a local health official said none of the schools have reported an absenteeism rate of more than 10 percent since classes went back into session in August.

“There haven’t been significant outbreaks at any of the schools,” said Patricia Morales, a public information officer for the Public Health Department, on H1N1. “We are asking schools with absenteeism of 10 percent to call us and let us know. So far we haven’t had a true absenteeism rate of over 10 percent, so that is a good thing.”

Statewide, since the outbreak of H1N1 last fall, there have been 219 deaths from the illness in California and 3,051 cases of hospitalizations, ICU cases and deaths combined. The figures were last reported Oct. 10.

Based on numbers reported as of Sept. 26, San Benito County has reported eight hospitalizations or ICU cases, but no deaths. The one county resident reported to have died from H1N1 was treated in another county. The state Public Health department is no longer tracking statistics on outpatient infections.

Though the number of hospitalizations in San Benito County has been low, health officials continue to promote preventative measures to curb the spread of the illness.

“We are making ourselves available to community-based organizations on what they can do to prevent spread,” Morales said. “Thos are really just things like cover your cough, washing your hands after coughing or sneezing – certainly staying home if you are sick or if you feel that you do have the flu.”

The recommendation for residents is to stay home from school or work until they have been fever-free for at least 24 hours.

The H1N1 flu vaccine is available at the county’s immunization clinic, which is held by appointment on Tuesdays. The vaccination is available to children ages 2 to 9, and healthy household contacts of infants younger than six months. The vaccine will also be available at the county’s annual flu vaccination clinic Nov. 3 and again on Nov. 17.

Children who receive the vaccination will need to return to the clinic or primary care physician for a second dose of the H1N1 vaccine three weeks after their initial injection.

Free seasonal flu clinic

A free seasonal flu clinic is set for Tuesday, Nov. 3, from 1:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Veterans Building in downtown Hollister. Details: call 637-5367 or visit

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Symptoms of H1N1:

– fever

– cough

– sore throat

– runny or stuffy nose

– body aches

– headache

– chills

– fatigue

– sometimes diarrhea and vomiting

Preventative measures:

– Cover your cough: Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.

– Wash your hands: Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.

– Avoid spreading germs: Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Try to avoid close contact with anyone who is sick. Germs spread this way.

– Stay home if you are sick: If you are sick with flu-like illness, CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. (Your fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.) Keep away from others as much as possible to keep from making them sick.