WITTBERG WARNS ABOUT SECOND WAVE OF SWINE (H1N1) FLU

(12/15/2009)
Dick Wittberg, the executive director of the Mid-Ohio Valley Health Department, told Calhoun County commissioners yesterday he is concerned about a second wave of Swine (H1N1) Flu.

Wittberg acknowledged Swine Flu is at a much lower level now, after reaching a peak at the end of October and early November.

Wittberg is urging all groups to take the vaccine, which is now being administered by the health department through special clinics.

"It is now available to the general public," he said.

The vaccine had been initially limited to high risk groups.

He said about one-third of Calhoun's children had taken the vaccine.

Wittberg said seasonal flu generally kills about 36,000 people in the US annually, noting that individuals can't get seasonal flu and Swine Flu at the same time.

"What's different about this flu is that certain groups, certainly younger people, are affected more seriously," he said.