PORT ST. LUCIE — Prevention, not treatment, of swine flu is what people should be thinking about now, according to the health officials and doctors who spoke Thursday at a town hall meeting about the H1N1 virus.

A couple dozen people showed up at Port St. Lucie’s Civic Center, most with questions and many armed with antibacterial sanitizing gels. Concerns about the severity of the H1N1 virus as well as side effects of the vaccine expected to be distributed beginning next month dominated the question and answer session.

“I never take the regular flu shot, but I am concerned,” said 68-year-old Rhoda Vicari. “I’m afraid of all the deaths. I’m just afraid.”

Four people from St. Lucie County — all men and most with an underlying health condition or risk factor — have died with the H1N1 virus in the last month.

But doctors assured people the swine flu is about as severe as the seasonal flu, which kills about 30 people every year in St. Lucie County.

“It is something to be concerned, but not panic about,” said Dr. Dwight Dawkins, a general practitioner.

Most people will get the flu, be miserable for a few days and then be fine. Those people might not even be prescribed an antiviral medication by their doctors, Dawkins and others on the panel said.

But people at greater risk for complications — pregnant women, children and people with underlying health conditions — need to seek treatment immediately. These people also will be the first to get the swine flu vaccine, which should provide immunity against the virus within 10 days of a single dose, according to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention.

St. Lucie County Health Deparment, like other health departments across the Treasure Coast and the country, has been working to get the free vaccine to the public. The vaccine is expected to arrive beginning Oct. 15, and 31 St. Lucie County medical providers have signed up to distribute the shots. Clinics at area schools also are planned, said Clint Sperber, regional preparedness coordinator for St. Lucie County Health Department.

In the meantime, people should stay home if they’re sick and practice good hygiene.

“I realize this stuff is not exactly sexy, but it works,” said Karlette Peck, St. Lucie County epidemiologist.

SWINE FLU VACCINE

Who should get it? At first, pregnant women, young children and adults to age 24, adults with underlying medical conditions and health care workers. Eventually, anyone who wants it.

How much does it cost? The vaccine is free, but doctors might charge an administrative fee, which will vary.

When is it available? The first shipment is expected to arrive in mid-October.

Where can I get it? Medical providers and community clinics. Call your doctors to see if they will administer it or check out these Web sites: www.myflusafety.gov and www.stluciecountyhealth.com.

What are the side effects? Flu shots, both seasonal and H1N1, often cause soreness in the arm where they were given. People also might experience mild flu-like symptoms. Some people, including those with severe egg allergies, shouldn’t get the shot, so talk to your doctor first.

Can I get the seasonal and H1N1 flu shot? Yes, and doctors are recommending it. The shots can even be given on the same day, as long as they aren’t given in the same arm.

Hillary Copsey, TCPalm.com

Tags: doctor, Port St. Lucie, swine flu, town meeting, vaccine

This entry was posted on Friday, September 25th, 2009 at 10:02 am and is filed under Health, St. Lucie County. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.