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Community Briefs

WAITING FOR NEW YEAR’S BABY

 

As of press time late yesterday afternoon, there was only one mother in the labor room at the LBJ Medical Center, and when she gives birth, her new born will the first for 2014.

 

Meanwhile, there was no Christmas Day baby for 2013.

 

MORE RAIN FORECAST THROUGH THE WEEKEND

 

The National Weather Service in Tafuna is forecasting American Samoa to face continued rain today, following a wet New Year’s Eve.

 

Hans Malala, a forecaster with the Weather Office said that today (Jan. 2) is expected to get more rain, which will be the same weather situation for American Samoa through the weekend, as the South Pacific Convergence Zone weather pattern has remained over the islands since Tuesday night.

 

“We’ll continue to see rain but fortunately no strong winds,” Malala said late yesterday afternoon.

 

While many places around the globe rang in the New Year with major firework displays, America Samoa was more mellow, and coupled with rain — heavy at times — with winds clocking at 10 mph in several locations had many staying home.

 

Heavy rain early yesterday morning prompted a flash flood warning issued by the weather service, but around 10a.m. it was downgraded to an advisory level until 6p.m. yesterday.

 

Forecasters continue to urge residents to listen to their local broadcasters for the latest weather update.

 

VETERANS ENCOURAGED TO GET FLU SHOTS

 

The Veterans Clinic in Tafuna is encouraging all veterans to stop by at the clinic for their flu shots.

 

“As the flu (influenza) virus changes constantly, new flu vaccines are released in September of each year to offer protection. If you received a flu vaccine before September 2013 please stop in to receive the new vaccine,” VA Clinic’s Dr. Fred Uhrle said in an email last week.

 

Uhrle also provided a copy of a Dec. 24 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Health Alert Network “health advisory” in which the CDC recommends annual influenza vaccination for everyone six months and older. Anyone who has not yet been vaccinated this season should get an influenza vaccine now.

 

While annual vaccination is the best tool for prevention of influenza and its complications, treatment with antiviral drugs (oral oseltamivir and inhaled zanamivir) is an important second line of defense for those who become ill, to reduce morbidity and mortality, the advisory states.

 

Antiviral treatment is recommended as early as possible for any patient with confirmed or suspected influenza who is hospitalized, has severe, complicated, or progressive illness; or is at higher risk for influenza complications, it says.

 

Click on attachment to download pdf of CDC Health Advisory