Swine flu on the wane here?
Posted 11/10/09
Howard County public schools have gone more than a week without a double-digit absentee rate at any school — a sign that the H1N1 flu virus might be starting to wane.
Bushy Park Elementary School and Cradlerock School each posted a 10 percent absentee rate on Nov. 2, but since then, no school’s absentee rate has reached 10 percent. Previous frequent postings of double-digit absentee rates were attributed to students missing school because of flu or flu-like symptoms.
“We don’t know if it’s peaked now,” said Howard County Health Officer Peter Beilenson of the H1N1 virus, also known as the swine flu. “It probably has, but it could easily peak again in another three months. It’s too early to say.”
Through Nov. 10, the county health department had vaccinated 10,000 people, Beilenson said. Between those vaccinated and the large number of people in the county who have gotten sick and gotten better, he said the county is approaching “herd immunity,” a term meaning that so many people are now immune to the disease that it’s difficult for the virus to spread.
“When most of the herd is immune, the chance of catching the virus is smaller and smaller,” he said.
The county health department has completed 17 H1N1 flu clinics and plans more in the coming week.
On Thursday, Nov. 12, the county will hold a clinic for children between six months and 35 months of age, by appointment only, at the health department offices, located at 7178 Columbia Gateway Drive. Those wishing to make an appointment should call 410-313-6250.
On Friday, Nov. 13, students at West Friendship Elementary, Mayfield Woods Middle, Oakland Mills Middle and Jeffers Hill Elementary will be vaccinated, provided their parents consent.
Beilenson said about 50 percent of Howard County parents are consenting to have their children vaccinated.
“Whether we can say (swine flu) will come back in the spring, it’s too early to tell,” he said. “If it doesn’t come back, that would be a success. Public health usually doesn’t get credit for success.”
For a schedule of flu clinics, go to http://www.co.ho.md.us/health/HealthMain/InfectionControl/InfectionUpcomingEvents.htm.
— Luke Broadwater
Bushy Park Elementary School and Cradlerock School each posted a 10 percent absentee rate on Nov. 2, but since then, no school’s absentee rate has reached 10 percent. Previous frequent postings of double-digit absentee rates were attributed to students missing school because of flu or flu-like symptoms.
“We don’t know if it’s peaked now,” said Howard County Health Officer Peter Beilenson of the H1N1 virus, also known as the swine flu. “It probably has, but it could easily peak again in another three months. It’s too early to say.”
Through Nov. 10, the county health department had vaccinated 10,000 people, Beilenson said. Between those vaccinated and the large number of people in the county who have gotten sick and gotten better, he said the county is approaching “herd immunity,” a term meaning that so many people are now immune to the disease that it’s difficult for the virus to spread.
“When most of the herd is immune, the chance of catching the virus is smaller and smaller,” he said.
The county health department has completed 17 H1N1 flu clinics and plans more in the coming week.
On Thursday, Nov. 12, the county will hold a clinic for children between six months and 35 months of age, by appointment only, at the health department offices, located at 7178 Columbia Gateway Drive. Those wishing to make an appointment should call 410-313-6250.
On Friday, Nov. 13, students at West Friendship Elementary, Mayfield Woods Middle, Oakland Mills Middle and Jeffers Hill Elementary will be vaccinated, provided their parents consent.
Beilenson said about 50 percent of Howard County parents are consenting to have their children vaccinated.
“Whether we can say (swine flu) will come back in the spring, it’s too early to tell,” he said. “If it doesn’t come back, that would be a success. Public health usually doesn’t get credit for success.”
For a schedule of flu clinics, go to http://www.co.ho.md.us/health/HealthMain/InfectionControl/InfectionUpcomingEvents.htm.
— Luke Broadwater
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