Local flu cases seem to decline; season continues

Nevada High School principal Thomas Moore said the first wave of the flu had not had a great impact on attendance figures.

"The numbers of students with perfect attendance were down slightly and so was the 90 to 99 percent attendance but the next group down made up for that," Moore said. "Looking at attendance it appears the first wave of the flu is past."

Rick Werling, superintendent of the Fort Scott, Kan., public schools, said that all four schools in Fort Scott have recovered from a drop in attendance.

"All four schools are back to normal," Werling said. "We've been told that this might come in waves though so we might not be finished with it, we're keeping our fingers crossed and our hands washed."

Even so, Kansas health officials reported a recent death due to H1N1 in the Topeka area; so care in preventing the flu is still urged on both sides of the state line. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment announced Thursday that a 48-year-old woman in that area had died and that her death brought the total number o confirmed deaths from this strain to 18.

"Even healthy adults are susceptible to severe complications of the pandemic H1N1 flu virus," said Dr. Eberhart-Phillips. "Every death due to H1N1 or its complications reminds us all of the need to wash hands, cover coughs and sneezes, stay home when sick until at least 24 hours after fever breaks, and get vaccinated when we are able. We must do these things not only to protect ourselves, but each other."

The pandemic H1N1 vaccine has started to arrive in Kansas, but at this time in very limited quantities. Certain individuals are recommended to receive the vaccine earlier. For more information on vaccine prioritization, visit www.kdheks.gov/H1N1/H1N1_Vaccine.htm.

Up-to-date information on H1N1 vaccination clinics being held across the state can be found by going to www.kdheks.gov and clicking on "Where can I receive the H1N1vaccine?"

In Missouri, visit www.fighttheflumo.com for information on shot clinics and more tips on staying healthy.

Check with your local health department for more information about the availability of vaccinations for H1N1 or seasonal flu. The Vernon County, Mo., health department is located at 301 N. Washington, Nevada, and offers flu vaccine Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.-6 p.m., with weekly shipments expected. The Bourbon County Health Department is located at 221 S. Judson, Fort Scott.