×

‘Robust flu season’

Still time to get a flu vaccine

Widespread — that’s how the Iowa Department of Public Health is classifying this year’s flu season.

Fever and/or chills, cough, sore throat, a runny and stuffed nose, body aches, headaches, and fatigue are all common signs a patient might have the flu, according to the Centers for Disease Control. The symptoms come on quickly and can present in groups of two or three or all at once.

For those who have not had a flu shot this season, vaccines are still available, according to Hamilton County Public Health Administrator Shelby Kroona.

“It’s a more robust flu season than what people expected,” Kroona said. “The respiratory flu is considered widespread this year and it’s being spread person-to-person.”

She said that the vaccine this year may not completely address the strain of flu that is circulating, but those who have had flu shots may have less severe symptoms.

“The CDC has announced that the vaccine is not as effective as they thought it would be,” she said. “It still provides some level of protection, though. And what I’m hearing is if you’ve had the vaccine, you maybe won’t get quite as sick as someone who hasn’t had the vaccine.”

Kroona said if flu symptoms present, the patient should stay home.

“You’re most infectious when a fever is present,” she said. “That’s how it keeps spreading. Patients should be fever-free for 24 hours before returning to work or school.”

“With the respiratory flu, there is a quick onset of symptoms — the high fever, body aches, chills — it kind of comes on all at once,” according to Kroona.

If symptoms are caught within 24 to 48 hours, Kroona said that Tamiflu and other anti-virals can lessen the duration of the disease.

“I would call your provider and let them know that you are experiencing flu symptoms and see if they feel you should be seen in the office,” she said. “If there is a chronic illness involved, they may want to see you in the office.”

Kroona said it the flu has been hard on infants and the elderly. She urged who those who work with children younger than 6 months or the elderly get a vaccine.

There are precautions that can be taken to stave off the flu. Kroona recommends observing the 3 C’s — Cover the cough; Clean your hands and contain the germs. Cover your cough by coughing into your sleeve or a tissue. Then be sure to wash your hands thoroughly with soap. Hand sanitizer can also be used if soap and water aren’t readily available.

Finally, contain the germs by staying home if you are sick or have symptoms of the flu.

“I know it’s hard for people to stay home because we’re all busy, but if you stay home, there’s less chance you will infect others,” she said.

“Even if you have to go to the pharmacy to get a prescription. Try to use the drive-through so you don’t infect anyone there,” she said.

Kroona recommends that those interested in getting a flu shot call her office before stopping in to be sure a nurse is available to administer the shot. Call 832-9565.

Newsletter

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *
   

Starting at $3.46/week.

Subscribe Today