Geisinger Health Plan Releases Influenza Update
Geisinger Health Plan recently released an update on the 2009 Influenza flu season. This is found in the article “Influenza Update From Geisinger Health System: 900 Cases” by Dr. Lisa Esolen who is the director for Geisinger Health System Infection Control on Poconorecord.com.
They continue to see a steady increase in the number of flu cases with about 900 cases in the last 3 weeks at both of their Pennsylvania hospitals. There have also been about 30 hospitalization cases. Nationally, 46 states have reported widespread influenza cases. Shipments of the H1N1 vaccine continue to be shipped but there are lower quantities than expected. These are first being given to health care providers, schools, and hospitals throughout the state. Currently, there are no public vaccination sites for the H1N1 vaccination since the vaccinations are not plentiful as of now.
Geisinger Health Insurance continues to receive shipments of the H1N1 vaccine, but in small amounts. Most of the vaccines have been used for pregnant people as well as children. Many organizations encourage pregnant women to get vaccinated since they are more likely to get severely sick from the flu virus. It’s important to wash your hands regularly to help limit the spread of the flu.
