Widely publicized as a more virulent strain than in past years, this particular strain is in fact taking its toll, especially in the 95032 ZIP code area, near Good Samaritan Hospital.

According to a statement issued by the County of Santa Clara Public Health Department, there is a very small supply of flu vaccines available to the public. "Our supply of vaccine is now exhausted, but we are actively investigating additional sources of vaccine," it said. "Any additional vaccine received by the public health department will be made available to high-risk patients only."

High-risk patients include adults 65 years and older, children 6 to 23 months old, adults and children with chronic medical conditions, people with immune system problems, women more than three months pregnant, children 6 months to 18 years old on long-term aspirin therapy, and healthcare workers.

As such, Good Samaritan Hospital chief nursing officer Julie Clayton says the hospital is not delivering flu vaccinations to the community at this time. "We're concentrating to make sure all of our healthcare workers have had the flu shot," she said. "At the time you need us most is also when we're getting sick." Clayton says if there is any supply left after accommodating employees, it will then be made available to the public.

Roughly 30 new patients are admitted each day at Good Samaritan who complain of respiratory symptoms likened to the flu. However, Clayton says, most just have a cold and are being cautious. "The good thing is there's a lot of public awareness about it," she said.

The public health department has issued a health-alert reminder for county residents, which includes "common sense" rules such as covering the mouth when coughing, wearing a face mask if coughing is severe, drinking fluids, and washing hands often with hot, soapy water.

Symptoms of the flu can be distinguished from those of the common cold by a high fever, dry cough, chills, and sore muscles. The influenza virus will typically last two weeks or more, compared to a cold, which generally lasts two to seven days and includes nasal congestion and a sore throat.

For more information, visit http://www.sccgov.org or call 408.885.3980.