—
One Howard County hospital is experiencing an increase in the number of patients with flu-like symptoms, while the other is seeing more patients, but not because of a climb in flu cases.
The Indiana State Department of Health reported Wednesday that ten people in the state have died from the flu, in what is being declared an earlier than normal outbreak in the U.S.
“We are now well into what appears to be a somewhat severe flu season,” said State Health Commissioner Gregory Lakin, M.D. “However, it is absolutely not too late to become vaccinated. If you have not been vaccinated this year, I encourage you to get vaccinated now to protect you and your family.”
The Howard County Health Department will be conducting a special flu vaccination clinic on Monday. Local residents wanting a vaccination should call 765-456-2408 and press “1” for nursing to set up an appointment.
The 2012-2013 vaccine protects against the three most common strains of influenza: H3N2, H1N1 and Influenza B. Health officials say that although cases of H1N1 and Influenza B have been reported, the H3N2 strain appears to be predominant. The 2012-2013 vaccine appears to be a good match for circulating flu strains.
“Typically, H3N2 seasons tend to be more severe, with a higher number of hospitalizations and deaths,” said Dr. Lakin. “Anyone experiencing flu-like symptoms should contact their health care provider, even if they have been vaccinated.”
Karen Long, an RN with the county Health Department, said normally the peak flu season in Indiana is February through early March.
“The trend is that we’re higher than the average for the past three years,” Long said. “The sense from our sources is that they’re seeing more patients with flu symptoms.”
In Howard County, health officials are seeing more of the H3N2 strain and hardly any of the H1N1.
Long said everyone six months or older is being encouraged to receive a flu vaccination. She said it takes two weeks for the vaccine to work and can’t give a person the flu.
Community Howard Regional Health mandated that all employees receive a flu vaccination.
The hospital has masks and sanitizers in all lobbies, according to Marketing Director Janet Knight. Knight said visitors with a cold, fever or other flu-like symptoms are being asked not to visit patients.
Scott Lakin, manager of emergency services, said Community Howard is not finding an abnormal rate of flu. He said the hospital is getting a case per day on average and the tests are showing it’s the H3N2 strain.
Lakin said the flu outbreak appears to be hitting the southern part of the state.
“We are seeing a lot of patients,” he said. “Our average is 70 per day and right now we’re seeing 80 to 85 patients per day. This happens every time of the year, we’re asking people to have patience with us because there is a longer waiting period.”
St, Joseph Hospital is seeing more flu cases and is at the highest level in two years, said Monette Allen, director of emergency services.
She said the level is similar to the 2009 H1N1 epidemic. Allen said the hospital is seeing frail elderly patients and not children with the flu.
Allen said people should wash hands frequently, use hand sanitizers and stay about 6 feet away from someone who may be sick.
Sandy Herman, director of public relations, said employees were encouraged to receive a flu shot, but it wasn’t mandatory. She said employees had to fill out a form declining the vaccination and provide a reason.
“We’re moving toward making it mandatory,” she said.
Local News
Related Photos
-
Advice: This sign at the entrance to the emergency room at Community Howard Regional Health encourages people to cover their mouth if they are sick and to use sanitizer. KT photo | Tim Bath
Discussion
Officials warn against flu, see increase in patients
Vaccination clinic set for Monday.
- Local News
-
-
Hitting the road
According to a survey released by AAA Travel, 38 percent of travelers indicated high gas prices impacted whether they would travel this weekend or not. This, despite the fact the current national average price for a gallon of gas was about 2 cents lower this time last year and is currently averaging $3.66 a gallon nationwide. Overall travel is down by 0.9 percent from Memorial Day last year.
-
Board weighs flood control options
Widening Big Cicero Creek to hold more water upstream of Tipton and digging a bypass channel around the city are among the proposals to prevent flooding like that which occurred April 19. There are as many as 20 options ranging in price from $1.7 million to $66 million to choose from, the Big Cicero Creek Drainage Board learned Wednesday.
-
Kokomo Beach will partially open Tuesday
Kokomo Beach Family Aquatic Center will partially reopen Tuesday, according to the city.
-
BREAKING: 3 more arrested in prostitution probe
Kokomo police continued putting pressure on local strip clubs by arresting three more dancers on prostitution charges Thursday.
-
Man charged with felony arson
Kokomo police arrested an 18-year-old man on a felony arson charge Thursday in connection with a trailer fire at a mobile home park at 2700 N. Washington St.
-
Powell looking for Little 500 win
During the course of his 72 years, Jerry Powell has done a little bit of everything.
Powell has owned a trucking business, raced sprint cars, has his pilot’s license and is now owner of a racing team. He is also a tool and die maker and produces many parts on the race cars. -
Layoffs at St. Joseph Hospital possible
St. Vincent Health announced Thursday it would be laying off employees across its 22-hospital system, which includes St. Joseph Hospital in Kokomo.
-
NHS principal takes job in Lafayette
Northwestern High School Principal Al Remaly announced he is leaving the district this summer to start a new job at Harrison High School in Lafayette.
-
Helping homeless vets
As residents reflect on the tireless work of the nation’s military veterans on Memorial Day, a group of Howard County vets is concentrating on veterans without a home.
-
Police arrest 4 dancers on sex charges
Kokomo police arrest women, employed at Little Daddy's and Big Daddy's strip clubs, on warrants Wednesday accusing them of prostitiution and indecent exposure.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Raw: Trucker Bumps I-5 Bridge Before Collapse
Raw: Texas Deputy Shot by Colo. Suspect Honored
Major Detours Following Wash. Bridge Collapse
American Held in Grisly Czech Murders
Raw: Jersey Shore Reopens for Summer
UK-bound Pakistan Plane Diverted, 2 Men Arrested
Officials: Tsarnaev Friend Linked to Slaying
Obama:Sexual Assault Threatens Trust in Military
Bridge Collapse Survivor: 'Rough Day'
Jersey Shore Open for Business
Raw: Memorial Day Flags Placed at Arlington
New Wheelchair Lift Promises More Access
First Person: Mom Discusses Famous Tornado Photo
Raw Video: Washington State Bridge Collapse
Boy Scouts Approve Plan to Accept Gay Boys
