H1N1 flu activity continues to go down right now, but health officials say another wave of illness could hit as the holidays move through.

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Inyo-Mono Health Officer Dr. Rick Johnson

What is know, according to Inyo-Mono Health Officer Dr. Rick Johnson, in the Eastern Sierra, about 4500 cases of H1N1 developed this season with several dozen hospitalizations and no deaths.

New data which does apply here – the American Indian population has been especially hard hit in the nation. Locally, in Inyo County, 50% of the hospitalized patients were Native Americans.

In Inyo County, H1N1 vaccinations are available for those through age 64, and within weeks everyone will be able to get the vaccination. So far, health officials have given several thousand doses in both Inyo and Mono Counties.

In Mono County, the paramedics have completed their outreach to the first responder community. Dr. Johnson and the Board of Supervisors are expected to terminate the local declaration of emergency Friday.

Since another wave of the flu could return, Dr. Johnson recommends that you get vaccinated, stay away from sick persons, wash your hands frequently. If you get sick, stay home.

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