The following are some facts to remind us to stay ever vigilant regarding the flu:

Government health officials state that the swine flu has sickened 22 million Americans since April. Of those, 4,000 have died, including 540 children. The CDC now believes about 98,000 people have been hospitalized in the first six months of the nation’s swine flu, including 36,000 children.

The goal of the pandemic influenza vaccination program is to vaccinate all persons in the United States who choose to be vaccinated. More than $8 billion is being invested on developing enough vaccine for everyone who needs it.

We encourage the LECOM Family who have not been vaccinated to get the vaccine.

In Erie, Dr. Regan Shabloski has been tireless in vaccinating over 830 students, faculty and staff.

• 5-24 is 26.7 per 100,000
• 25-49 is 6.9 per 100,000
• 50-64 is 3.9 per 100,000

The H1N1 may have peaked; however, the seasonal flu should begin in our area in December/January. Please remember the prescribed etiquette of frequent hand washing to reduce the risk of contamination from common surfaces, as well as, coughing and sneezing into your sleeve or shoulder. Once infected, you may continue shedding the flu virus for 4-7 days after symptoms begin. Therefore, if you become sick, please stay home.

Once again, if you have not yet received the H1N1 or seasonal flu vaccines, please consider doing so.