PRESQUE ISLE — According to the Maine CDC, H1N1 influenza remains widespread in Maine. The Aroostook Medical Center continues to see cases of H1N1 in its Emergency Department and at its health centers, but there is evidence that the disease may already be declining in our area. TAMC has received a large shipment of seasonal flu vaccine and is currently offering it at its health centers in Presque Isle, Mars Hill, Ashland, Caribou and Fort Fairfield. Additionally, TAMC invites the public to attend a free seasonal flu vaccine clinic on Saturday, Dec. 19, from 9 a.m. to noon at A.R. Gould Memorial Hospital.
It’s not expected that H1N1 vaccine will be available at this clinic, as supplies remain limited. TAMC continues to vaccinate people in certain high-risk groups at the direction of the Maine CDC. People with underlying health concerns should contact their primary care provider for more information about vaccine availability.
Vaccinating children remains a high priority. As such, TAMC will offer a free flu shot clinic for Aroostook Pediatrics’ patients at North Street Healthcare on Thursday, Dec. 17, from 3 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Both seasonal and H1N1 vaccine will be available at the clinic; no appointment is necessary.
Most school-age children in our area have been offered the H1N1 vaccine. Children 9 years of age and younger will need to be vaccinated a second time in order to be protected. Local schools are working to prepare for this second round of vaccination.
Symptoms of H1N1 are similar to those of the regular flu, including coughing, fever and sore throat. Most people can recover at home with rest and do not need to see a healthcare provider. People with flu-like symptoms are advised to avoid going to the Emergency Department unless they experience dehydration, have trouble breathing, are getting better and then suddenly get a lot worse or experience a major change in condition. These complications happen only rarely.
TAMC continues to take precautions to ensure the safety of our patients and staff. For the time being, TAMC asks anyone under the age of 18 and those experiencing a cough, fever or sore throat to avoid visiting patients at A.R. Gould Memorial Hospital. Additionally, patients and visitors should use the main or Emergency Department entrances on weekends, as all other entrances will be closed.
TAMC is committed to making sure the community has the latest information about H1N1. People with questions are asked to visit the TAMC Web site (www.tamc.org), call TAMC’s H1N1 information line at 768-4600 or your primary care provider.