Positive flu, COVID cases declining

By Donnie A. Lucas

Positive cases of both COVID-19 and the influenza have been on the decline since the beginning of the month, according to numbers reported this week by a local health clinic.

A total of seven positive cases of COVID-19 were reported for the period of Jan. 3-13, according to the Shackelford County Health Clinic. A total of 27 tests for COVID were administered.

Breaking it down by the week, the seven positive results were all from the week of Jan. 3-6. No new cases resulted from the 10 tests administered last week.

The clinic has also seen a substantial drop in the number of cases of the flu. There were only three positives reported for Jan. 3-6 and one case last week, Jan 9-13.

Figures recorded by ResourceCare in Albany were not available for last week, although there were not any new cases of either illness recorded in the first week of the month.

Both local clinics have plenty of flu vaccines on hand, as well as the new bivalent COVID booster.

Anyone interested in the newer COVID booster, which offers broader protection against two strains of the virus – the original strain and the more recent Omicron strain – should call one of the clinics to have their name placed on a vaccination list. Once the vial of antivirus for COVID is opened, it must be administered in a short time period, so both clinics are waiting until there are enough people on the list to use up the vaccine when opened.

Flu tests are available as needed.

To make an appointment to be tested or receive a flu or COVID shot, call the Shackelford County Health Clinic at 325-762-3661 or ResourceCare at 325-762-2447.