January 12, 2024 |
Photo – 2024 Flu Vaccine – Courtesy health.mil
Carbon County Public Health says flu cases are on the rise in Wyoming.
During the January 2nd Board of Carbon County Commissioners meeting, Carbon County Public Health Nurse Manager Amanda Brown said the Christmas holiday caused an expected drop in the number of people visiting her office. Despite seeing fewer patients, Brown said testing for sexually transmitted infections, or STIs, has been increasing.
Brown said Carbon County Public Health is continuing to monitor flu and COVID activity in the county’s clinics and hospitals. The nurse manager said flu cases are rising across the state. Brown said the flu has contributed to the deaths of 11 Wyoming residents over the past two months.
Brown said this time last year, there were more flu related deaths.
Commission Chairwoman Sue Jones asked Brown if the current round of vaccines provides protection against the most recent strain of the flu virus. Brown said it does. However, the nurse manager said it is impossible to know how many Carbon County residents have received the newest vaccinations. Brown said she is working on a way to find out the number of vaccinated residents.
Brown said the only way Carbon County Public Health knows if a person is vaccinated is when they are admitted to the hospital for treatment.
Brown encouraged everyone to get vaccinated against the flu. Responding to a question from Commissioner John Johnson, Brown said vaccinations can be administered on weekdays or any time a nurse is available.
Brown said anyone suffering from the flu should stay home and avoid contact with vulnerable individuals. For more information about available vaccines or to schedule a vaccination, contact Carbon County Public Health at 328-2607.
