Published: February 15, 2007 10:08 am      

Bugged by the flu

Hays in midst of regional sickness spike

San Marcos — Runny nose, body aches, nausea and fever are on the rise. And that has Hays County health officials concerned.

Hays County Personal Health Director Nick Icossipentarhos said Wednesday that Hays is among counties experiencing a spike in reported cases of the flu.

“In the past 14 days, there have been 400 plus lab tested cases in the region,” said Icossipentarhos. “There have been over 900 cases of flu-like symptoms. They had everything but the lab confirmation.”

Flu-like symptoms include fever, nausea, stuffiness and joint and muscle aches.

Icossipentarhos said people who don’t get vaccinated catch the flu and then pass the flu on to others instead of going to the doctor.

“The problem we have is that people that have it develop pneumonia and have to be hospitalized,” Icossipentarhos said.

Usually symptoms last four to seven days and can be treated with anti-viral medication or antibiotics and some over-the-counter treatments. But the best way to prevent the flu is to get vaccinated, Icossipentarhos said.

“The interesting thing is this year they got the mix of vaccines just right,” Icossipentarhos said. But he suspects the flu spike indicates that a lot of people didn’t bother to get the vaccine.

San Marcos CISD officials said they have not noticed an increase in cases of the flu, and that they will keep up preventative measures.

All people with medical problems or who are undergoing chemotherapy and people over the age of 50 should be vaccinated, Icossipentarhos said. Even after vaccination, it takes a few weeks to build a full immunity, health officials say.

Adult, child and infant vaccinations are available at the Hays County Personal Health Department clinic at 401A Broadway in San Marcos. Visit www.health.co.hays.tx.us for more information.