With cases of H1N1 flu increasing and not enough vaccine to meet current needs, the Cortland County Health Department is urging residents to stay home if they are sick and follow other preventive measures to limit the spread of the flu.  Flu activity is currently widespread and increasing across New York State.  Almost all of the flu activity so far this fall is caused by the H1N1 flu virus, although seasonal flu is expected to begin circulating later in the flu season.

While vaccine offers the greatest protection from the flu, there are currently not enough H1N1 flu vaccine supplies to meet the demand due to delays in production reported by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).  The New York State Health Department is getting vaccine to health care providers in the State as quickly as the vaccine is made available by the CDC. Due to unanticipated production delays at the manufacturing level, large quantities of vaccine needed for widespread vaccination may not be available until mid-November or later. 

Most people with the flu have mild to moderate symptoms and recover at home without medical treatment. Visits to a hospital emergency department are not necessary if a person’s illness is mild. However, there are times when it is appropriate to seek medical treatment. Any individuals experiencing severe or worsening symptoms should immediately contact their health care providers or go to a hospital.

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If you have questions you may call the Cortland County Health Department Influenza Information line at 753-5200 or visit the website at: http://cchd.cortland-co.org

UPDATE: The Health Department is out of seasonal flu vaccine for adults.  We suggest contacting your doctor or local pharmacies for a vaccination.  The American Lung Association has a comprehensive listing of flu clinic sites, which may be of assistance to you.