Good first half in fight against flu

One sign that the message about influenza is getting out to the public has been the popularity of seasonal flu vaccinations.

More than 2,000 people turned out on Saturday to get a free dose of flu vaccine. Organized by Douglas County's emergency services with the help of public health officials from both Douglas and Carson, the clinic successfully delivered seasonal flu vaccine to a substantial minority of the population of Minden and Gardnerville.

The news that Carson Valley Medical Clinic has run out of its annual allotment of vaccine is further evidence that the message is sinking in.

Now comes the hard part.

The H1N1 flu vaccine is just now arriving in the state. What happened with the seasonal flu vaccine now has to happen for the new vaccine.

The Centers of Disease Control in Atlanta confirms the vaccine came from the same strain of flu that's being passed around. However, the flu is already widespread in the state. The Washoe Health District, which is tracking the flu in Northern Nevada's most populous county, reports an estimated 78 people came down with the flu Oct. 4-10. Of those, only one has been hospitalized.

Residents have so far shown patience in dealing with the medical authorities on this issue. It will require more patience to safely come through what promises to be a contagion of pandemic proportions.

In the meantime, congratulations to our emergency officials on a successful first half.