Flu Virus Spreads Across Permian Basin
By: Jenne Anderson
Updated: January 14, 2013
MIDLAND -- A flu outbreak is spreading rapidly across the country and the Permian Basin is no exception.
"We're seeing 35 to 50 people a day," said MCH Doctor Lawrence Voesack.
Dr. Voesack has been practicing medicine in Odessa for 18 years.
In that time he says he's never seen a flu outbreak like this one.
"Flu season this year started really kind of slow," explained Dr. Voesack. "And then once it started, it really picked up momentum very quickly."
Another problem, even if you got the flu vaccine, you could still be at risk.
Medical experts tell Big 2 that the strain of virus that's spreading isn't the same strain that's vaccinated against with the flu shot.
"The flu virus that's spreading around is not one that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC, anticipated," said Virologist Tracie Gibson.
Dr. Gibson says one of the only ways to fully prevent the virus is to wash your hands regularly, and avoid touching your face or eyes.
"It (flu virus) can remain on the surface, and be alive for several hours," said Dr. Gibson. "And if you touch yourself, you introduce those to you. That's why it's important to wash your hands."
So if you're experiencing the typical symptoms, don't wait to get treated.
Because not only could it get worse, but you could also spread it to everyone else around you.
"I would give it no more than a day," stated Dr. Voesack. "Come in and get treated, get better faster."
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"We're seeing 35 to 50 people a day," said MCH Doctor Lawrence Voesack.
Dr. Voesack has been practicing medicine in Odessa for 18 years.
In that time he says he's never seen a flu outbreak like this one.
"Flu season this year started really kind of slow," explained Dr. Voesack. "And then once it started, it really picked up momentum very quickly."
Another problem, even if you got the flu vaccine, you could still be at risk.
Medical experts tell Big 2 that the strain of virus that's spreading isn't the same strain that's vaccinated against with the flu shot.
"The flu virus that's spreading around is not one that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC, anticipated," said Virologist Tracie Gibson.
Dr. Gibson says one of the only ways to fully prevent the virus is to wash your hands regularly, and avoid touching your face or eyes.
"It (flu virus) can remain on the surface, and be alive for several hours," said Dr. Gibson. "And if you touch yourself, you introduce those to you. That's why it's important to wash your hands."
So if you're experiencing the typical symptoms, don't wait to get treated.
Because not only could it get worse, but you could also spread it to everyone else around you.
"I would give it no more than a day," stated Dr. Voesack. "Come in and get treated, get better faster."
Like Jenne Anderson's page on Facebook!
