Flu Comes in Waves Flu activity has decreased nationally.  Read the full national report here.  According to the final CDC FluView for the 2009 - 2010 influenza season, flu activity in the U.S. declined again from the previous week and is about the same as what is normally seen during the summer in the United States. Only a small amount of influenza viruses are being reported, most of which are the 2009 N1N1. Flu is unpredictable, but sporadic cases of flu caused by either 2009 H1N1 or seasonal flu viruses will likely continue to occur throughout the summer in the U.S. Almost all the detectable influenza viruses in Maine and the U.S. remain the pandemic strain of H1N1 influenza.   Maine's weekly influenza surveillence report can be found here.  Many people are still susceptible to H1N1 flu and would benefit from vaccination. H1N1 vaccine is widely available, and we encourage everyone to be vaccinated. If you are looking for vaccine, call 211, or call your health care provider.The benefits of getting the H1N1 vaccine far outweigh the very small risk of serious complications from vaccination.  Some people getting vaccinated will have mild side effects such as pain, redness or swelling in the arm where the shot was given or a runny nose and headache after the nasal spray vaccine.    The final CDC weekly influenza surveillance report of the 2009 - 2010 season has been published. The 2010 - 2011 season (week 40, ending the week of October 9, 2010) will be published on October 15, 2010. Remember, we all need to stay informed, be prepared, and most importantly practice proper respiratory hygiene, including the following steps:  1. Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or sleeve.  2. Wash your hands often with soap & water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol based hand cleaners are also effective.                  3. Try to avoid close contact with sick people.  4. If you get sick, stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to avoid infecting them. Regarding H1N1, there appears to be a high spread among children and young adults. Because recommendations from U.S. CDC are being updated frequently, we strongly urge clinicians, school officials, and others to review the most updated guidance before making clinical or closure decisions. US CDC guidance and recommendations can be accessed at this site: http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/guidance/.  Maine has received more then 500,000 doses of H1N1 vaccine since October and based on recent demand, Maine CDC is now recommending that H1N1 vaccine be offered to anyone who wishes to receive it. The focus for vaccine will still be the five high priority groups as defined by US CDC, but in many places public clinics will not need to turn others away. Check the vaccine clinic locator at www.maineflu.gov   call 211 or contact your own health care provider for the location of a vaccine clinic near you.