Another flu outbreak on way.
By: Karen Hopkins
Updated: December 10, 2009
Weve all heard a lot about the H1N1 or swine flu, but now the Centers for Disease Control shows the virus is slowing down.
But not for long. Nbc 6 news reporter Karen Hopkins spoke with local doctors who are preparing for the next potentially deadly upswing.
“I saw bags under my eyes, darker than usual." It was the H1N1, Mackenzie Bear caught the virus while on vacation. “I woke up in the morning and thought I’m so tired after a good night’s rest."
That was months ago. Now the Centers for Disease Control shows swine flu cases are down for the past five weeks. But doctors say get ready for another outbreak. “The patterns youre seeing now is typical of a pandemic influenza. Initially we see an upswing and then a decrease and then an upswing,” Dr. Eric Thomas says.
That upswing could come early January. Dr. Thomas says nows the best time to get vaccinated. Especially high risk groups, people from 6 months to 24 years old. But also, it’s a good idea for older adults.”People 25 to 64 have more risk factors from diabetes to asthma."
39 people have died this year from H1N1 in Louisiana. Dr. Thomas says now theres plenty of vaccine to go around. “In this country were getting about 10million doses per week."
“Since I had it, it could be redundant to get the vaccine, but with the virus mutating all the time, soon enough I’ll get the vaccine." Because bear says getting sick isnt worth it and “I dont want to pass it around."
