The Herald-Zeitung
- MOBILE EDITION -
79 cases of H1N1 reported in Comal County
Eric J. Weilbacher
The Herald-Zeitung
Published November 05, 2009
In a state of more than 24 million people, only about 2 million doses of the H1N1 influenza shot have been allocated to Texas by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Flu in Texas has recently been classified as “widespread,” according to the Texas Department of State Health Services.
To date, the Comal County Office of Public Health has reported 79 cases of H1N1, nine cases of the seasonal flu, 15 non-differentiated cases of the flu and 92 cases of “influenza-like illness.”
Through Oct. 24, 27 H1N1-related deaths were reported in the state.
The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) has ordered over 1.5 million more doses this past week.
Because of the limited availability, Texas is still allocating vaccines only to private practice providers, public and private hospital personnel, local health departments and DSHS regional offices for those deemed most at risk: pregnant women, children between six months and 4 years old and health care workers who interact directly with patients.
Until the vaccine is more widely available, the only course of action for the general public is treatment of the flu if infected.
Antiviral medication, such as Tamiflu, is available at Walgreens locations in New Braunfels, the H-E-B in Bulverde on Highway 46, the H-E-B on E. Court Street in Seguin, the Wal-Mart on Farm-to-Market 3009 in Schertz, the Wal-Mart on the South 123 Bypass in Seguin and the Walgreens on E. Court Street in Seguin.
“The vaccines are coming into Texas every week in small amounts, but not enough to hold flu shot clinics,” said Dr. Sandra Guerra, Region 8 medical director for the DSHS.
Locally, Christus Santa Rosa — New Braunfels hospital has 400 doses available, but that is a fraction of the requested amount.
“We have requested 7,000 doses throughout the CSR health system,” said Melissa Krause, director of marketing with the hospital. “Our doses are presently being distributed to physicians and associates that work with patients. We’re just patiently waiting for more doses.”
Dr. Guerra said those that are currently prioritized for the shots should get them, even if they believe getting a flu shot will make them sick.
“The good thing about the H1N1 shot is that it is an inactivated virus. With either vaccine, seasonal or the H1N1, some people receive a headache, body ache, but that is your body’s natural reaction. The H1N1 has been developed in the same way as the seasonal flu shot. It can’t actually make you sick,” she said.
“If people feel comfortable with the seasonal flu shot they should get the H1N1 shot if they can.”
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