The H1N1 swine flu virus is over – but officials still urge Wisconsinites to keep their hands clean, and cover their mouths when they cough.
Tom Haupt of the state’s public health division says a new pandemic can happen at any time. And officials are keeping a special eye on the bird flu that’s been lasting in parts of the world for several years.
In the meantime, the cyclic winter flu is only a few months away. And officials say four Wisconsinites have already conventional that strain while traveling.
Dan Hopfensperger of the state’s immunization program says people should chase the federal government’s new and prolonged vaccination schedule. He says it includes virtually everyone 6 months and older, including all school children.
As for the swine flu, the World Health Organization says it has largely run its course – and the world is now in a post-pandemic age for that disease. Haupt called it a “moderate” pandemic. 55 Wisconsin populace died from the H1N1 flu. And about half of the youngsters who died did not have any underlying illnesses before hand over.