By By Kerry Whipple Bean
Warmer weather has returned — but so has the flu, health officials said.
Local and federal health officials are warning residents that the H1N1 flu virus is seeing somewhat of a resurgence, particularly in southeast states.
Elliott said health officials encourage anyone who has not yet received the H1N1 flu vaccine to call the health department or their doctors’ offices to get the shot. Last fall, when the vaccine was first available, it was offered on a limited basis to the highest risk groups. Now, it is available for anyone, Elliott said.
Elliott said he did not have numbers, but the H1N1 virus was more common in local patients than regular seasonal flu in recent weeks.
In a conference call with reporters last week, Centers for Disease Control officials said last week that incidences of H1N1 have been increasing in the region. Last month, health officials in Mobile County said a 6-year-old boy there had died of H1N1 complications in late February.