One case of flu reported...so far

OXFORD HILLS -  While there have been cases reported in Maine, so far Oxford County seems to be flu-free.

The Maine Center for Disease Control issued a statement last week that the first case of the flu had been reported in Sagadahoc County. The victim was an adult, who had recently travelled to a southern state. There have been no more confirmed cases since that one.

That might not last long, said state epidemiologist Dr. Stephen Spears, MD, November 16.

"The Thanksgiving holiday, because it involves so many people traveling and coming here from other places, traditionally is when we start to see cases in Maine," Spears said. "And, we will see them, be assured of that."

Fortunately, Spears continued, the the Influenza "B" strain is the most prevalent so far and this year's vaccine is effective against it and against Influenza "A," which is the "H1N1" pandemic strain that was so dreaded last year. The doctor says there are "influenza-like" viruses, which have similar symptoms to the influenza, but aren't it. For lay person suffering from the headache, achy-all-over, nausea etc., that may be small comfort, but it's very significant to Spears.

"We know we've got a problem when we see clusters, not just single cases here and there, and the diagnosis is confirmed in our laboratory," the doctor explains.

Oxford County is prepared, at least as prepared as it can be, said Theresa Inman, administrative exercise and planning assistant at Oxford County Emergency Management Agency. She added that, unlike last year when the H1N1 was a concern, there have been no emergency briefings or training sessions for local EMA offices to prepare differently from their usual precautions and plans.

For those with access to the Internet, Stephens Memorial Hospital, at www.mmc.org/wmh, features a wealth of information, including the number of the hospital's 24-hour flu hotline (743-1562 ext. 151). The Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention has a website at Maine.gov.

State Health Director Doctor Dora Mills, MD, advises people to get the vaccine, wash their hands frequently, cover coughs and sneezes and, if sick, stay home.