Todd County Public Health held clinics Wednesday and Thursday, Nov. 4 and 5, to immunize a targeted group for the H1N1 flu.

The clinics were open at Staples Elementary School Wednesday and at the public health office in Long Prairie Thursday, both from 1-5 p.m.

The vaccine was available for pregnant women and children six months to four years old by appointment only. No walk-ins were accepted.

Public health officials are estimating that school based clinics will begin the week of Nov. 16, again targeting a specific population. They expect that vaccine for everyone will be available sometime in December.

The public is asked to check their newspaper or the Todd County Public Health website at www. co.todd.mn.us for updates.

Cheryl Mashuga, school nurse for Staples Motley Schools, reports that every day one to three new students are showing flu-like symptoms. This is down from their "big wave" which came the end of September and the first part of October, she noted.

Since the end of September Mashuga is estimating that the three elementary schools - Motley, Staples and Sacred Heart - have seen up to 50 percent of their students exhibiting influenza-like illnesses.

At the Motley Staples Middle School it's been about 35 percent with about 20 percent at the high school.

She did note that those numbers could be higher depending on how the absences were reported.

Sacred Heart Area School reports that last week and this week have been the worst for them.

Last week it seemed to go through the upper grades of three-six with an average of 11 students missing each day. This week it appears to be hitting the siblings in lower grades of pre-K-2 with 17 out Monday and seven out Tuesday.

The parochial school's total student body is 103.

"Parents have been very good about keeping their kids home until they are

100 percent," said Sheila

Jenniges, health assistant. "That's what we want."

People eligible to receive this H1N1 vaccine are also encouraged to check with their medical clinic for vaccine availability as doses are beginning to be distributed in Minnesota.

Lakewood Health System has set up a flu hotline with information about the H1N1 vaccine, its availabilty and who qualifi es for the intitial doses as determined by the Minnesota Department of Health. Those numbers are 218-894- 1515 or 800-525-1033.

They also refer people to the state flu hotline at 866- 259-4655.

Lakewood Health System is limiting visitors at all locations including all clinics, the hospital, care center and assisted living locations. If visitation is necessary, all school-aged children will be required to wear a mask and all other visitors must complete a brief wellness evaluation.

Patients experiencing flu-like symptoms will be asked to wear a mask. Those symptoms include fever, headache, muscle aches, cough and runny nose.

However, Lakewood also cautions people not to hesitate to visit the emergency room if they are experiencing the warning signs of influenza complications.

In children those signs are:

o Fast breathing or trouble breathing

o Bluish skin color

o Not drinking enough fluids

o Not waking up or not interacting normally

o Being so fussy that the child does not want to be held

o Flu-like symptoms improve, but return with fever and worse cough

o Fever with a rash

In adults the signs are:

o Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath

o Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen

o Sudden dizziness

o Confusion

o Severe or persistent vomiting

o Bluish skin color

o Flu-like symptoms improve but return with fever and worse cough

o Fever with a rash

Preventative measures include:

o Cover your cough and sneeze using a tissue, mask or by placing your face firmly into your elbow

o Wash your hands thoroughly and regularly

Brainerd Medical Clinic is offering a seasonal flu mist clinic Saturday, Nov. 7, from 9 a.m.-noon.

To be eligible for the seasonal flu mist, the patient must be between the ages of 2-49, not pregnant, have no long term chronic health condition such heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease or a nerve disorder, not be on long term aspirin therapy, not have a weakened immune system due to illness or certain medications or not be under the age of five with a history of wheezing.

Brainerd Medical Clinic is taking appointments for this flu mist clinic. Please call 218-828-2880.