The swine flu vaccine has begun arriving at some clinics in Lewis County, though its availability is still limited.

    “We had originally projected we’d have 5,000 doses, and right now we have 1,500,” said Marie Tucker, health educator for Lewis County Public Health. “It’s not as much as we had hoped, but the (Centers for Disease Control) said the process is going slower than anticipated.”

    The first round of the vaccine will not be available to pregnant women and small children, as the shots contain Thimerosal, a preservative made from mercury. The other vaccine, FluMist, is a live, weakened version of the virus, and is also not available for pregnant women and children under age 2.

    Local health officials say they can’t be sure when other forms of the vaccines will become available.

    Lewis County Health Officer Dr. Rachel Wood said some providers have reported being overwhelmed with patients who are ill.

    “It’s come to our attention that people have been asking for Tamiflu (an antiviral) from their providers,” she said. “In reality the seasonal and swine flu are caused by viruses and most people recover with tender loving care. It’s important that people who need the medication get them.”

    Wood said those with chronic medical conditions, small children and pregnant women are those typically most in need of antivirals.

    Tamiflu and other antivirals carry the potential of causing side effects like headaches and nausea, she said.

    “Unfortunately viruses are also very smart and they change,” Wood said, adding that some strains of H1N1 have started to show resistance to Tamiflu when they did not earlier in the year.

    There are also 12 other kinds of viruses beside influenza that can cause such flu-like symptoms as coughing, headaches and fever.

    People experiencing shortness of breath, vomiting, confusion or dizziness should see their doctor, Wood said.

    Marqise Allen: (360) 807-8237

Most Influenza Cases Are Swine Flu

By The Chronicle

    Officials in Thurston County announced Friday that a man in his 20s died of influenza-related complications.

    It is still unknown if the death was due to the H1N1 virus, though Lewis County Health Officer Dr. Rachel Wood said most influenza cases that have been tested around the country have tested positive for swine flu.