10 January 2013
Tis the season… flu season….
Health officials in Lane County say the number of cases has not yet reached its peak… and it’s not too late to get your flu vaccination. An outbreak of “flu-like” symptoms at a Springfield assisted living facility in the past few days has sickened at least 55-residents and sent 19 to the hospital.
That points out the risk and severity of the many viruses that are typically identified as influenza. Jason Davis, the interim public information officer for Lane County Health and Human Services, says flu is a viral illness that causes fever and respiratory symptoms. It is often accompanied by muscle aches and occasionally stomach and intestinal symptoms.
It’s very easily spread. The best prevention is frequent hand washing and good sanitation… dispose of those Kleenexes properly. One of the very best methods of prevention: getting that flu shot. Davis says there is plenty of vaccine available. He says contact your regular health care provider, a local medical clinic or even your pharmacy.
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LIHEAP
Another round of low income energy assistance could be coming to residents in the Florence area, but likely not until next month. Already more than 450 area households have received cash assistance through a federal program aimed at helping to offset higher heating costs because of the season. Bob Teter, the Housing Assistance manager at Siuslaw Outreach Services says a third enrollment will be held February 1st at SOS. Teter says they’ll have space for about 40 or 50 households at that time.
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Siuslaw Wharf
The crane that has been used to drive new pilings between Mo’s Restaurant and the river bank will be disassembled this week and moved to a barge. Legacy Contracting has already installed many of the pilings on either side of ICM Restaurant and will be driving more next week in preparation of installing supports beneath both buildings. Port of Siuslaw Manager Bob Forsythe said the wharf beneath both restaurants has deteriorated over the. Both restaurants remain open during the work.
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Snow?
Some low elevation snow is possible over the northwestern portion of the state over the next few days. National Weather Service forecasters say a strong Pacific cold front brought a much cooler air mass to the area overnight and it’s expected to continue through the weekend. Some snow flurries in the interior portions of Lane and Douglas Counties were reported this morning. Another system is expected to arrive late tomorrow that will mix rain and snow along the coast… officials are saying they don’t expect much accumulation.