5 Questions: Amy Smart

1. Following the flu vaccine clinics, do you feel residents are in good shape for protecting themselves from the H1N1 flu?

My gut feeling is that Lincoln County residents are prepared to face another wave of flu by washing our hands, covering our coughs and keeping away from each other when we’re sick.

Vaccination efforts were mighty, but this vaccine is voluntary and was not available in the heat of the moment when people really wanted it. Of the roughly 19,000 residents of Lincoln County, only about 4,000 were vaccinated against H1N1 flu. Dr. Black and many epidemiologists believe that vaccine is only really effective if at least 50 percent of the population is vaccinated.

2. Can the seasonal flu be just as threatening as the H1N1 flu?

Absolutely! Seasonal flu is responsible for approximately 200,000 hospitalizations and 36, 000 deaths each year according to the CDC. Those most at risk for complications from yearly seasonal flu are those whose lungs can’t clear out increased fluids (“snot”) and those whose immune systems can’t fight off germs well.

Everyone is encouraged to get vaccinated against seasonal flu to decrease the chances of spreading it to someone at risk for complications.

3. Lincoln County recently had its first confirmed case of pertussis or whooping cough. Is it unusual for whooping cough to surface in our region?

It’s not unusual. Pertussis is endemic which means that it consistently shows up in our part of the world … it is a resident germ. Babies (6 months and younger) are the most at risk for death from pertussis. The beauty is that it is vaccine preventable.

When it rears its ugly head, it’s time to make sure you are up-to-date on your vaccines … especially if you are around infants. To report suspected or confirmed cases, call Marci at 293-4121. For more information on pertussis call me at 293-3374.

4. Do you now have an oversupply of the H1N1 flu vaccine after experiencing shortages earlier this winter?

We received roughly 5,100 doses in Lincoln County, and currently 1,300 are still sitting on the shelves. Only a handful came to the mass clinics we provided in Troy on Jan. 27 and in Libby on Jan. 13. Libby or Troy residents, please call 293-2660 to set up a time to get vaccinated. In Eureka call 296-2023.

We’d love to increase the numbers of people vaccinated to better protect the whole from this potentially deadly flu. It is available for anyone who wants it.

5. Is there a point in time when flu season is considered to be over and we can all rest a little easier?

We are still expecting a third wave of illness from H1N1 flu. It is difficult to predict how severe it will be. Historically, influenza pandemics fade out eventually. I’m just as eager to put this one behind us as anyone else, but unfortunately I don’t have a crystal ball.

Let me just say this … I took care of a visitor to my home who had a high fever, severe sore throat and miserable cough and congestion, and I didn’t get sick. I’m really glad I got vaccinated for both seasonal and H1N1 flu!

(Amy Smart is the Lincoln County Public Health Emergency Preparedness coordinator and Emergency Management Agency deputy).