A.D. Ibarra

-Eagle Pass

United Medical Center Clinic Manager Humberto Duran has informed The News Gram that they do indeed have vaccines to combat influenza which has reared its ugly head this season.

With the increase in cases of influenza in the region, the application of the vaccine is recommended.

Typically, influenza is transmitted through the air by coughs or sneezes, creating aerosols containing the virus Influenza can also be transmitted by direct contact with bird droppings or nasal secretions or through contact with contaminated surfaces. Airborne aerosols have been thought to cause most infections.

In April 2009 a novel flu strain evolved that combined genes from human, pig, and bird flu. Initially dubbed "swine flu" and also known as Influenza A/H1N1 emerged in Mexico and the United States.

Influenza viruses can be inactivated by sunlight, disinfectants and detergents. As the virus can be inactivated by soap, frequent hand washing reduces the risk of infection.

According to information released, the influenza vaccine can be acquired at United Medical Centers, while there is a supply, Duran added that it is important that the community be notified of the availability of the vaccine.