An Elizabethton family reminds us that H1N1 hasn't disappeared

An Elizabethton family proves that H1N1 hasn't disappeared (Added: March 09, 2010)

Numbers of the H1N1 flu have decreased nationwide, but it hasn't disappeared. Local health departments don't know what to expect this spring, and they say people shouldn't drop their guards. (more)

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An Elizabethton family reminds us that H1N1 hasn't disappeared

Casey Wells and her sons, Trevor and Kaden, spend time together as they're all sick with the H1N1 flu.

By: Dana Wachter | TriCities.com
Published: March 09, 2010

Elizabethton, Tenn. -- Numbers of the H1N1 flu have decreased nationwide, but it hasn't disappeared. Local health departments don't know what to expect this spring, and they say people shouldn't drop their guards. The Wells family in Elizabethton learned the hard way. Each member of the family has suffered from the muscle sores, fevers, headaches, and coughing that come with the dreaded H1N1.
Officials say October through March is the typical flu season, but the H1N1 flu strain redefined the flu season when it broke out last spring.
The H1N1 vaccine is still the best way to deter illness, but usual flu precautions, like washing hands and covering sneezes and coughs, always help.
"The vaccine response and response from the public has been very good," says Northeast Tennessee Regional Health Department's Communicable Disease Director, Jamie Swift, "and we do believe that has kind of helped slow the spread a little bit. And there's been so many cases of H1N1 flu, people who maybe didn't have the vaccine, but may have had the flu, may have developed immunity, too."
There is plenty of H1N1 vaccine available, and local health departments are offering the vaccine for free. People can take it as a flu mist, or a shot. Kids under ten need two doses of the vaccine. If a child has taken the first dose, and needs the second, it is not too late for the second.