The H1N1 flu swept into North Carolina in 2009, but health officials warn that the pandemic is not over. Even in the new year, vaccination against H1N1 is being recommended.

“Folks still need to consider vaccination,” said Thomas Williams, media relations specialist and preparedness coordinator for the Surry County Health and Nutrition Center.

He said during the holidays people were busy and few got vaccinated.

“Vaccinations were not on people’s minds,” Williams said. “This is a great time to reconsider if you haven’t already gotten it.”

Although H1N1 activity is down, Williams said people are still coming down with the H1N1 flu strain. The seasonal flu peaks in mid-January, according to Williams, and officials expect the H1N1 flu to be no different.

“People are still getting sick every day,” Williams remarked.

In recent years, the seasonal flu has lingered into April and May. Since H1N1 was first diagnosed in April, Williams said it is likely that it is also a yearly flu.

“It’s not too late to get vaccinated,” he urged.

In a press release issued Dec. 31, Gov. Bev Perdue said, “I urge all North Carolinians to get vaccinated to protect themselves and others.”

In 2009, there were 79 deaths in North Carolina due to H1N1. While the seasonal flu is often deadly for elderly adults, H1N1 has been detrimental to many children and middle-aged adults, according to statistics from the N.C. Division of Public Health.

State Epidemiologist Megan Davies said in the press release, “We do not commonly see serious flu cases, much less deaths from flu, in the young and middle-aged adult population. What we are experiencing in North Carolina is consistent with the rest of the country.”

The press release also stated that hospital emergency department flu visits are down from October’s high but still above typical flu season rates.

“If typical seasonal flu trends hold true this year, we can anticipate another increase in flu cases this winter and into the spring,” said Davies. “H1N1 has been anything but typical, so it is difficult to know how long this pandemic will last.”

The first case of H1N1 was confirmed in North Carolina in May 2009. The first confirmed death from H1N1 in North Carolina took place in June. Health providers across the state first began offering the H1N1 vaccine in October.

Recently, the Surry County Health and Nutrition Center opened up the vaccine for everyone, not just those in high risk categories.

While officials say vaccination is the most effective way to prevent H1N1, Williams said people also need to take other precautions. People should practice good cough etiquette, wash their hands frequently, and stay at home if they are sick.

“It’s still serious, so we want people to take it seriously,” Williams remarked.

Some retail chains are now offering the H1N1 vaccine, and Williams said the health center still has plenty. No appointments are necessary at the health center. The vaccine is still free, but people should bring their insurance card if they have one.

For more information about the H1N1 vaccine, call the Surry County Health and Nutrition Center at 401-8410.

Contact Meghann Evans at mevans@mtairynews.com or 719-1952.