Mainers reporting fewer flu cases this winter

WINSLOW – The flu has made a limited appearance in Maine so far this winter.

The state has recorded only 41 laboratory-confirmed cases of influenza, compared to 208 cases at this time last year, according to the Bureau of Health’s Division of Disease Control.

“It is still creeping along at a slow but steady pace,” said Diane Williams, a state epidemiologist. “It’s been a very unusual season.”

Williams said other states also are seeing fewer flu cases than last year.

The severity of the flu season varies from year to year, but it’s difficult to pinpoint what causes the differences, Williams said. One factor may be immunization.

A recent survey revealed a significant increase in the number of Mainers 65 and older who took the flu vaccine, according to Lisa Tuttle, director of the Maine immunization program.

In 1999, 74 percent of people in that age group were vaccinated, up from 32 percent in 1987, she said.

“I think part of the reason for that is better availability [of the vaccine] and better social marketing,” she said.

The state distributed 250,000 dosages of flu vaccine between September and Jan. 30 to more than 600 health providers, she said, but it’s difficult to say how many doses actually were used.

Goudreau’s Retirement Inn is one of the few places in Maine that suffered a flu outbreak this season. About 20 of the 40 tenants came down with symptoms including fever, cold, cough and general discomfort.