Editorial: Health care wins battle

H1N1 hasn't become a synonym for panic or death, thanks to the hard work of many people.

We primarily credit the steady stream of information from a health system -— comprising local, state and national efforts — that educated citizens and made them partners in helping everyone stay healthy. Those same health professionals prepared themselves well for this pandemic and no doubt will use H1N1's lessons in future health crises.

Remember last spring when we faced the real threat that H1N1 flu could make this influenza season the deadliest in 90 years?

Between them, the seasonal and H1N1 flu strains in fact sickened millions and killed thousands, but measured responses from schools, nursing homes and hospitals plus exceptional public health flu shot clinics kept most of us healthy.

The threat isn't over, of course. A third wave is a possibility, especially if people who haven't been vaccinated figure the risk of serious illness and death is over. A simple shot can help make that reality and add to the H1N1 success story.

We can't say enough about the Goodhue County Public Health Service and the Pierce County Health Department. Their salutary efforts led to the early vaccination of at-risk individuals and families. Moreover, these health officials kept the public fully informed about who should be vaccinated when, where and why.

As the flu season wears on, more and more vaccine is available. Now anyone is eligible, and health officials haven't relented in scheduling clinics right in people's hometowns.

People often take their health for granted - and probably don't give exemplary public health a thought most years. Schools, hospitals and our public health services certainly gave our communities the shot in the arm when we needed it.

Tags: goodhue county, opinion, editorials, h1n1