According to the Pennsylvania Department of Health (DoH), the H1N1 virus, which is the world’s dominant flu, will likely account for the majority of flu infections in Lancaster during the colder months of this and next year. Brent Ennis, District Executive Director of the DoH’s Southeast District Office, addressed the Commissioners at their September 16 meeting to provide an update on local efforts to combat this rising epidemic.
Since PA saw its first documented case of the virus on April 29, small outbreaks have led to a few school closures; although, Ennis said, his department has sought to avoid mass dismissals wherever reasonably possible. According to Ennis, there have been 21 documented summer camp outbreaks in PA.
Ennis said that the southeast portion of PA has been harder hit than other parts of the state.
According to Ennis, the first roll-out of vaccines will arrive in late-September or early-October, and shipments will then continue on a weekly or bi-weekly basis until the full allotment is distributed. These will be quickly distributed to populations identified as “high risk,” including pregnant women, households with children six months to 24 years old, adults under 65 with underlying medical conditions, as well as medical professionals.
Citizens will be able to find a nearby vaccination point by calling 1-877-PA-HEALTH or visiting H1N1inPA.com.
Randy Gockley, Lancaster’s Emergency Management Agency Coordinator, added that, in the event of a massive outbreak, 18 special ‘pod’ sites within the County would be activated to vaccinate the population within 48 hours. The sites, mostly located on school facilities, were originally designated with terrorist attacks in mind.
By way of good news, Ennis noted that researchers are close to confirming that a single vaccination may be all that is needed to protect an adult from infection. Early reports suggested that two rounds would be necessary. Ennis also optimistically noted that, as of yet, the virus has not at all “ramped up” in its severity. The Spanish Flu of 1918, Ennis asserted, was most fatal after morphing into a second wave.
To prepare for the approaching flu season, Ennis strongly advised that any individual with respiratory conditions consult with their physician immediately to discuss the necessary precautions.
It is my opinion that h1n1 was just a conspiracy controlled the government. But many of my friends believe that it was ment to control the population, but I believe it was hyped by the media by those international corporations who were the ones that sold the vaccinations to the many different governments.