Politics & Government

As Spring Blooms, H1N1 Resurgence Looms

Darien health officials warn of a third wave of swine flu; encourage immunization

Spring is in the air, and so is the flu virus. Darien health officials warn that a third bout of H1N1 flu is just about to bloom, and they say immunization shots are the best means of protection.

"The fact is, vaccine prevents resurgence in a community," said Darien's medical adviser Dr. Caleb Moore Moore. "We really want people to know that if they haven't received a vaccine, it's not too late."

According to Moore, H1N1 or swine flu tends to linger for longer than one might expect. Unlike the regular flu, which peaks from January to March, H1N1 tends to strike communities every 20 weeks and can last up to three months. Darien Director of Health David Knauf says that the most recent wave of H1N1 virus hit Connecticut in late October; the next bout could be imminent.

"We could see another H1N1 spike in March, and we want to make sure that everyone who wants the vaccine gets it," said Knauf.

But "getting it" hasn't always been easy. Media reports of a deadly resurgence last fall saw vaccine demand skyrocket; supplies quickly ran dry, leaving many yet to be vaccinated residents feeling frightened, frustrated and downright wretched.

"Don't remind me," said Knauf of last November's Vote and Vax clinic that drew a crowd of hundreds.

But those numbers have continued to drop, as "fear" of swine flu has waned, said Knauf. Where the department has administered over 1,300 doses to date, last week's clinic saw only 50 residents roll up their sleeves.

"I think people have moved on. It's no longer a priority," said Knauf. "At this point, I don't see another clinic unless we have an increase in demand."

Clinic or no clinic, a resurgence of the virus still looms.

Knauf said his staff would continue to administer vaccines to interested residents, by appointment only, for as long as supplies last.

"I've got a fridge full," he said.

A preventative H1N1 flu shot from Molly Larson, Darien's public health nurse, will cost you zero dollars, courtesy of the State of Connecticut Department of Health.

Moore says adults and children typically mount immunity to the flu two weeks after vaccination. That's just enough time to protect yourself from spring fever.

Contact the Health Department to schedule an appointment at 203-656-7320.

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