Public Health: Flu season just beginning
By ROB PRICE THE COURIER-ADVOCATE

BATH - If you think you've made it through the 2006-2007 flu season without a case of the chills, think again.

The season may be just beginning, according to Steuben County Public Health and Nursing Services.

Gail Wechsler, public health coordinator for the county office, said influenza reports in Steuben began increasing in mid-February, raising the possibility of an extended flu season similar to last year's.

"The flu season generally starts to die down by the end of March," Wechsler said. "But last year it was still widespread through April."

That means, she added, it's still not too late to receive a flu vaccination. "The earlier the better," Wechsler said. "But it's important ... all the way through the flu season."

To date, it may almost feel as if the flu virus skipped a year. The first reported case of influenza didn't reach the county's public health office until the week of January 6, according to Wechsler.

"I don't think we've seen it at all," said a spokesperson for the Haverling school district's nursing office.

But the recent increase in reported cases suggests the virus has only been

lying in wait. "It's just

starting," Wechsler said.

The public health office recommends individuals who have not been vaccinated against the virus contact their physician's office and inquire into the availability of vaccines. In the event vaccine supplies have been exhausted, Wechsler recommends a call to the public health office, at 664-2438.

"We prefer that people call first to make arrangements," she said.