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Flu season arrives early By BILL KETTLER Mail Tribune Flu season has arrived early in Jackson County this year, and that could signal lots more aches and pains to come over the next few months. Two cases of influenza have been confirmed in Jackson County, at least a month before flu generally appears in Southern Oregon. The flu's early arrival could mean a long and busy flu season for doctors and nurses, said Viki Barbour of Jackson County's Public Health Services. "Anytime something communicable comes around, there's likely to be more," Barbour said. Flu virus has been confirmed in test cultures taken from a 25-year-old and a 42-year-old. "There also seems to be an increase in the amount of illness we're hearing about," Barbour said. Flu vaccine is still available for people who want to protect themselves against a debilitating fight with the virus. Jackson County public health nurses are giving flu shots from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. and 1 to 4 p.m. at 1005 E. Main St., Building A. The county will bill Medicare and Oregon Health Plan patients for the injection. The cost for others is $15. Some individual physician offices may also have vaccine available for patients, Barbour said. Physicians generally recommend flu shots for people over age 65 and those with chronic illnesses that might weaken their immune system. People over 50 often choose to get a flu shot to avoid feeling sick for a week or more while the flu runs its course. Barbour said flu's symptoms make it easy to distinguish from a common cold. Fever is typically always present when flu strikes. Victims usually also develop a cough and achy arms and legs. Flu also appears suddenly and makes people too sick to carry on their normal routine. "Colds are annoying," she said, "but you can usually treat the symptoms and get through the day." Barbour said people who suspect they might be coming down with the flu should try to isolate themselves from others who might be more vulnerable to the flu. "If you're sick stay away from fragile folk," she said, "the very young and the very old." Reach reporter Bill Kettler at 776-4492, or e-mail [email protected] Mail Tribune Home | Ottaway Newspapers, Inc. | Dow Jones & Co., Inc. | Privacy | Contact Us Copyright � 2001 Mail Tribune, Inc.