Increasing numbers of Influenza reported in Adams County

There have been over 150 cases of laboratory diagnosed Influenza A reported in Adams County so far this flu season, most in the past three weeks.

There are likely many more cases of individuals that were not tested by their doctor or who did not seek medical care for their illness.

Due to the increase in flu activity, Adams County Health Department would like to provide the following information about “the flu”.

Influenza is a lung and respiratory infection caused by one of three virus types (A, B or C). Influenza illness can be severe, lasting as long as 10 – 14 days.

During the winter months, more people get sick because colder weather forces them indoors and there is more contact between individuals in closed areas.

Symptoms of the flu include: fever, chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headache, and fatigue (tiredness). Some people have vomiting and diarrhea, although this is more common in children than adults.

With the onset of flu season it becomes even more important for people to take actions to prevent illness.

A flu vaccine is the best means of protection against influenza illness. All individuals aged 6 months and up should get a flu vaccine to reduce the risk of getting or spreading influenza.

There are two different ways of getting immunized for flu.

The “flu shot” is made from a killed virus that has been tested and approved for use. Despite what has been said, getting a flu shot does not give a person the flu. Achy or feverish feelings after the vaccination means the immune system is working to protect the individual.

The killed viruses in the shot “trick” the body into making antibodies against influenza ahead of time so that a person’s body can defend itself before being exposed to the real flu.

“Flu mist” is another form of flu vaccine, made from a weakened virus and given as a nasal spray. This form of the vaccine is approved for those who are two to 49 years of age and are not pregnant.

Flu mist is highly recommended for children aged two through 18 years of age as it has been shown to be even more effective than the flu shot at preventing illness in children.

There are other simple steps that an individual can take to decrease the risk of influenza or other infections.

These include: covering the nose and mouth with a tissue when sneezing, coughing or blowing their nose; throwing used tissues into the trash as soon as possible; washing hands often when sick; washing hands after sneezing, blowing their nose, coughing, or after touching used tissues or handkerchiefs; and washing hands after touching anyone else who is sneezing, coughing, blowing their nose, or whose nose is running.

Use warm water and soap or alcohol-based hand sanitizers to wash hands.

Sometimes, in spite of the best efforts, people still get sick.

Any individual or child who has symptoms of illness is recommended to stay at home and away from others. Stay at home for at least 24 hours after fever is gone.

For further information about Influenza, contact Adams County Health Department at 659-3315 or 488-2031.