By MIKE COURSON
Great Bend Post
The holiday season was good for gifts and food. It was also an ideal time for transmissible viruses. The Centers for Disease Control reports outpatient respiratory illness is above the baseline nationally for a seventh consecutive week, and is above baseline in all 10 regions in the country. Barton County Public Health Director Karen Winkelman says that trend is true locally as well.
"As is expected this time of year, there has been an increase in medical visits reported that are due to influenza, RSV, and COVID," she said. "None of these three illnesses is reportable KDHE unless there is a death associated. The data we receive to support the increase is a result of a collaboration with family practices, emergency departments, student health centers, and pediatric offices. Designated surveillance sites determine the percentage of patients seen with specific signs and symptoms and submit this information to KDHE weekly."
The Barton County Health Department continues to offer ways to combat the viruses. COVID vaccines are available with formulations available for anyone ages six months and older. RSV vaccine is available for babies, pregnant women 32-26 weeks into gestation, and for adults 60 years of age and older. The 2023-24 flu vaccine is available for anyone aged six months and older.
All other routine vaccines recommended by various health organizations are also available. Anyone with questions can call the health department. Billing of insurance is provided, and no appointments are necessary. Vaccinations are available on a walk-in basis during normal operational hours.