1/10/14 - Public health officials are encouraging residents to prepare themselves for a more serious flu season than usual. The predominant strain of influenza in Livingston County this year is H1N1 Type A, which is linked to a higher rate of death than any other strain. It was responsible for the deadly Swine Flu pandemic in 2009. Livingston County Department of Public Health Medical Director Don Lawrenchuk says many people shrug off suggestions that the flu is dangerous, but it remains the only communicable disease that is among the top ten causes of death for Americans. The Health Department recommends that everyone over the age of six months be inoculated against the disease, which will either prevent infection or reduce the severity of the symptoms. Lawrenchuk says residents can also help protect themselves and others by taking common-sense precautions, like washing their hands after coughing or sneezing, avoiding close contact with the infected, and staying home from school of work if you experience flu-like symptoms. So far, 66 cases of H1N1 Type A from Livingston County have been verified by laboratory tests, though not all cases are reported. The Health Department says this strain disproportionately affects young and middle-aged adults, so even those with healthy immune systems should be vaccinated. (TD)
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