Just because the number of influenza cases in Greene County has dropped, don't let your guard down.

That's the word from the Health Department at today's weekly briefing.

The number of confirmed flu cases is down, but we're not out of the woods yet, say the experts.

Since August 31st, Greene County has seen 808 flu cases, most of those in patients zero to 24 and only eight are confirmed H1N1. Not every case is tested for H1N1.

As for vaccines, the county received 6,400 doses of H1N1 today.

These will be offered to school children and other individuals as determined by the Health Department.

And as always, keep up the good hygiene, stay home if you're sick and take care of yourself.

"So we will be dealing with seasonal influenza season probably starting after Thanksgiving and we usually see peaks in January, February and March with seasonal influenza and in addition we're going to be dealing with H1N1 at the same time," said Kevin Gipson of the Springfield-Greene County Health Department.

Regarding H1N1 vaccines in schools, it's up to administrators to turn in requests, come up with how many students want the vaccine, and determine whether the kids need the injectable or nasal spray.

The Department says it never knows how much or when H1N1 vaccine will arrive, but it will distribute it as soon as it can.
And if you're having trouble finding the seasonal flu vaccine, keep calling your health care provider.