By Lori EhdeThis week’s winter storm came at a good time, as far as controlling influenza is concerned. At a time when the flu bug is just arriving in Luverne a snowstorm might be just what the doctor ordered to keep people home and keep the germs from spreading.Luverne Medical Center staff reports that influenza cases were picking up steadily this week, with patients young and old testing positive for both Influenza A and B.They said it’s too early to tell if it’s the strain people were vaccinated against this fall, but they do know that if they had more vaccine they’d be giving more shots.Local supplies are currently depleted, and Sioux Valley Hospital this week notified Luverne staff that there will be no more vaccines available.Those most vulnerable to influenza are the very young, the elderly and those with compromised respiratory systems.People are urged to protect themselves by washing hands often, keeping hands away from their nose and eyes and staying rested to bolster immune systems.Those who have the flu are urged to stay home to stop the spread of germs and to cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or the inside of their arm (not hands).In the Luverne clinic, roughly 3,000 people were immunized this year against influenza. That’s up considerably from last year’s 2,500 vaccinations.Nobles-Rock Public Health reported another 300 shots administered in Rock County through Public Health’s work site visits.While the numbers of cases aren’t notable yet, School Nurse Deb Vander Kooi said she received a call from the Medical Center warning her to be on the alert for symptoms.Influenza typically presents itself in the form of a high fever, body aches and dry cough."We’re telling the teachers to watch their students, and if they look sick to send them down right away," Vander Kooi said."We’re also asking custodians to wash down the desks more often and other areas kids might touch to spread germs."She said 19 elementary students were absent Monday, which is more than normal, but the high school reported no more than normal missing.Of the younger kids getting sick, she said, so far it’s been stomach-related ailments more than influenza.She said Tuesday’s snow day was perfect for fighting the flu in school, because students who might be coming down with the flu — and most contagious — stayed home."It’s probably good for the high school kids, too," she said, "because they catch up on sleep and get their immune systems back up to strength."
