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No shortage of flu shots, antiviral drugs

COLUMBIANA COUNTY

LISBON — There are no influenza shot shortages in Columbiana County, according to Columbiana County General Health District Director Wesley Vins.

Vins said the health department’s nursing staff called throughout the county Monday morning following the death of a second child over the weekend from the flu.

Currently there are still plenty of flu shots available throughout the area and there is also no shortage of the antiviral drugs. Going by the name Tamiflu and also available in generic form, the antiviral drug can be given at the first signs of the flu. It can lessen the severity and complications from the flu, according to nursing supervisor Jennifer Davis.

Those starting to have the symptoms of the flu, such as fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue, should contact their physician to ask about getting an antiviral drug. In many cases, the antiviral drugs are covered by insurances, at least in part.

Additionally, Vins and Davis are recommending people who are sick should stay home from school or work. Doorknobs and other surfaces commonly touched by many people should be cleaned with disinfectants such as chlorine, detergents, alcohol-based sanitizers and hydrogen peroxide. Those taking care of a sick person should wash their hands after touching the person, their laundry and their tissues.

The death of Colton Williams, 7, of East Liverpool, is the second pediatric death in the county this season. Williams is also the third confirmed pediatric death from the flu in the state in just the past two weeks. Six-year-old Christopher C.J. Avila of Salem died on Jan. 28. Additionally, there has been a death of a 7-year-old Fulton County girl and then a 6-year-old Cuyahoga County boy.

The Ohio Department of Health reports there have been 20 influenza-associated pediatric deaths nationwide this flu season.

Vins said the health departments in East Liverpool and Salem are looking into the deaths of the two Columbiana County children, but at this point no connection has been identified. A statement from the office of Columbiana County Coroner Dr. George Wilson suggested Influenza A could be the cause of death of the two children.

Vins said it is nice to see so many people in the county working together during this tragedy to get information out about what can be done to prevent the spread of the flu. Medical professionals, the health departments, schools and the hospitals are working together. Vins said he even saw parents on social media spreading the word to others on the importance of hand washing procedures and other flu prevention information.

Flu season generally lasts from October to May, so those who can receive a flu shot but who still have not done so are encouraged to get one — especially children 6 months to age 2, adults 65 and older, people with chronic medical conditions or weakened immune systems, pregnant women, Native Americans and the morbidly obese. The flu shot is available at health care providers’ offices, local health departments and retail pharmacies.

djohnson@mojonews.com

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