One Nation, Under God

Update on Flu activity in County

The Phillips County Health Department and the Phillips County Hospital and Family Health Clinic have come together to inform and educate everyone on the recent Influenza activity in our community.

Over the last month, Phillips County has confirmed a higher amount of positive influenza cases than recent years. The elderly, young children and people with certain health conditions are the most at risk of complications from the flu. Also, infants less than six months of age are unable to receive the flu vaccine, so it is important for others to get immunized to provide herd immunity.

The data from lab testing is showing the strains of flu circulating are the strains that are well covered in this year’s flu vaccine. However, no vaccine is 100-percent effective, but it is your best bet against the virus. Although there have been a few positive cases in people who HAVE received the vaccine, the vast majority of people getting the flu are ones who HAVE NOT had a vaccine.

It takes approximately two weeks after receiving a flu vaccine to build up antibodies against the flu virus. It is not too late to get one and they are available at your local health department.

Symptoms of the flu include fever OR feeling feverish/chilled, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body or muscle aches, headache, fatigue, and vomiting/diarrhea (more common in children). If you develop any of these symptoms, contact your healthcare provider. There is an influenza nasal swab test that can be performed and sometimes an anti-viral medication can be prescribed.

Most healthy adults will be able to infect others one day before symptoms develop and five to seven days after becoming sick. Please avoid the public as much as possible during this period of time to avoid spreading the virus. Handwashing is extremely important and please wear a mask if you have to be out in public. This information can be found at http://www.cdc.gov.

For any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to call the health department at 654-2521 or Phillips County Hospital at 654-1100.

 

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