Flu off to slower start, health department recommends shots

The winter storm is not the only thing hitting a huge part of the country. Flu cases are also on the rise nationwide.

Monday we learned that’s not the case so far in El Paso, where the number of cases is much lower than this time last year.

This time last year, El Paso clinics reported treating more than 3,000 people infected with the flu. So far this season, only 500 cases have been reported, that’s according to the city health department.

Zenaida Trillo has worked at Henderson Health Clinic in downtown El Paso for four years. She said this time of year is busier than most.

“A lot of people come in for their flu vaccines as well as standard vaccines they are missing,” Trillo said Monday afternoon while the waiting room was filled with patients.

Fernando Gonzalez works for the city’s department of public health as an epidemiologist, or someone who monitors local health and diseases. He said that even though flu season has already started … it’s not too late to get vaccinated.

“We have not received any local information about high hospitalization or any death,” Gonzalez said. During the 2012-13 flu season the El Paso region had five reported deaths, he said. Gonzalez recommends staying home from school or work if sick.

One of the most preventative measures a person can do to avoid getting the flu is to wash your hands but the goal is to rub vigorously for 30 seconds before you rinse.

“We have a season that started low with cases so the vaccine is available all over the place so go and get your vaccination,” Gonzalez said. The city offers lower-cost vaccinations for people who qualify, according to a news release. Children ages six months to 18 years old who do not have health insurance can get a shot for $10. Qualifying adults can get vaccinated for $25 but there’s less supply for adults than children.

Keep in mind that even though the season is off to a slower start than usual in the Borderland, activity is unpredictable and peaks from January through March.

Health department officials are asking people to practice the four “C’s”:

Clean … by washing hands often or using sanitizer.

Cover … coughs or sneezes by using a tissue or an elbow.

Contain … by keeping yourself or children home from work or school.

Call … a doctor if you or your child is running a fever more than 100 degrees.

For more information, visit the City Health Department at http://home.elpasotexas.gov/health/