The seasonal flu is invading Sampson County, with as many as 40 reported cases in the Clinton City School system alone, and another 10 confirmed cases through Sampson Regional Medical Center.

The recent rash of residents with the flu has left many in the county wondering where they can go to get the flu shot in hopes of protecting them against the aggravating and often debilitating germs.

Wanda Robinson, director of the Sampson County Health Department, says that while the department has not started giving out the first shots, the flu has already found its way into the immune systems of some unlucky residents.

“We do have it here, and we predict it is going to be a tough fall,” said Robinson of the problem that has already struck Sampson.

And with the H1N1 virus continuing to be a threat to residents as well, Robinson advises that precautions need to be taken if anyone is seen having flu-like symptoms.

In fact, Robinson pointed out that each school in the county has a plan in place to deal with children or adults that may show symptoms of the either the illness, including fever, cough, etc.

For example, if a child has a fever at school, Robinson stated, the child would have to be isolated, and a parent would be called to pick the child up.

And in both county school systems, children have already been sent home because of suspicious symptoms.

Dr. Gene Hales, superintendent for Clinton City Schools, has confirmed that as of now approximately 40 children were sent home throughout the system due to flu-like symptoms. However, none of the cases have been confirmed cases of H1N1 as of today.

And, Hales is making sure that parents and children, alike, are educated on how to prevent and handle the illness as it continues to spread. He has had letters sent home to parents, and a copy of the letter can be found on the school system’s website at www.clinton.k12.nc.us.

“Our nurses are working diligently with our parents and children to make sure needs are met and procedures are followed,” Hales added.

The city schools superintendent also emphasized that local physicians are working with the schools’ nurses to help meet the needs of the children.

Susan Warren, public relations coordinator with Sampson County Schools, advises that a “handful” of children have had parents come to take them out of school across the county.

In fact, because of the increased concerns and risks associated with flu-like symptoms, Warren pointed out that superintendent Dr. Ethan Lenker sent out a phone message to parents stressing the precautions that parents need to take to prevent their children from spreading the virus, including washing hands, covering their mouths, etc.

Warren also emphasized the desire of the school system to continue to follow the guidelines set up by the Health Department, such as isolating the victim and calling parents.

“We want to do everything possible to keep the children safe,” Warren commented.

Leaders at Sampson Regional Medical Center are also having to contend with people coming into the hospital with flu-like systems, and as of Wednesday afternoon, the county hospital has already had 10 patients test positive for the flu.

Tammy King, the infectious disease coordinator with the hospital, explained that of those 10 cases, some may be victims of H1N1, since the flu virus tested included Influenza A, which does include H1N1, and Influenza B.

However, she happily reported that no one as of now has been admitted due to the severity of the flu this year.

For those hoping to get a shot to prevent the seasonal flu, Robinson says that the first shots will be administered in mid-September.

However, if there are some out there eager to get a flu shot now, Walgreens Pharmacy started giving flu shots to residents, and some may receive them free.

Pharmacy manager Erin Bass advises that residents currently receiving Medicare can get their flu shot at no charge.

She stressed that since the elderly are a group that is more vulnerable to the flu virus, giving the shot free to them seemed to a good move.

“The elderly need to get their shots,” said Bass.

She also advises that the company is currently in talks with Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina to give free shots to their card holders as well.

As to why the company decided to move forward with flu shots while some providers are waiting, Bass established, “We wanted to make sure people get their seasonal vaccine before swine flu is out.” She stated that the swine flu vaccine should be available by mid-October.

Katie Holland can be reached at 910-592-8137, ext. 136, or by e-mail at silife@myclintonnc.com.