DALLAS COUNTY
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
ZACHARY THOMPSON
DIRECTOR
DR. DAVID BUHNER
MEDICAL DIRECTOR
For Immediate Release – January 19, 2006
Contact: Jacqueline M. Bell –214-819-6329 (direct line)
214-677-7880 (mobile)
[email protected]
DCHHS Reminds the Public, It’s Not Too Late to Get Your Flu Shot
Influenza cases on the rise across Dallas County
January 19, 2006 – Dallas County Health and Human Services (DCHHS) announced today that data collected by
its Influenza Surveillance Program shows that the seasonal flu epidemic has begun in the county.
“DCHHS Influenza Surveillance Program has detected a definite increase in the number of influenza-like
illnesses across the county,” stated Zachary Thompson, DCHHS Director. “Weekly reports collected from local
school districts, viral laboratories, and hospitals have all been on the rise.”
Seasonal Influenza, also known as the flu, follows a similar pattern from year to year. The flu season
normally lasts from October to March, with an increase in the number of cases in Dallas County appearing midJanuary. Since influenza is not a reportable disease, an exact number of cases is unknown. DCHHS Influenza
Surveillance Program monitors sentinel sites in order to forecasts trends in the spread of the virus.
“This year’s flu epidemic is following a similar pattern as those seen in past years,” said Dr. John Carlo,
DCHHS Chief Epidemiologist. “We are seeing a rise in the number of cases across the county that now allows us
to say that the season influenza epidemic has begun for the 2005-06 season.”
“It’s not too late to get a flu vaccination,” Dr. Carlo continued. “This year vaccine appears to be an exact
match for the strains of flu we are seeing. We urge anyone who has not already done so, to get a flu shot a soon as
possible. The flu shot remains the most effective way to prevent influenza” said Dr. Carlo.
DCHHS also reminds the use of the following good health habits to help prevent the spread of the flu:
•
Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to
protect them from getting sick too.
•
Stay home when you are sick.
If possible, stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick. You will help prevent others
from catching your illness.
•
Cover your mouth and nose or cough into bend of your arm.
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you
from getting sick.
-more-
2377 North Stemmons Freeway
Suite 503
Dallas, Texas 75207-2710
Office (214)819-6329
Fax (214)819-2099
DALLAS COUNTY
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
ZACHARY THOMPSON
DIRECTOR
DR. DAVID BUHNER
MEDICAL DIRECTOR
DCHHS Still Offering Flu Shots as Cases Rise
page 2 of 2 pages
•
Clean your hands.
Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs. When soap and water are not available use
an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
•
Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then
touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.
DCHHS flu clinic is open daily from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. and the vaccine is available for the entire family.
DCHHS Flu Clinic is located on the first floor of the DCHHS building, 2377 N. Stemmons Freeway, Dallas, TX
75207. The Children’s Immunization Clinic is open until 6 p.m. on Wednesdays. The cost is $20 for adults.
Initial visits are $10 for children and $5 for subsequent visits. Shots are free for adults with Medicare and children
with Medicaid. No appointment is necessary. For more information, call 214-819-2163.
###
2377 North Stemmons Freeway
Suite 503
Dallas, Texas 75207-2710
Office (214)819-6329
Fax (214)819-2099