March 28, 2024

Tips to protect your family from influenza this year

It’s the time of year again to watch out for the flu bug. This season, Robin Sevier, Union County public health nurse, gives tips to protect yourself and your family against influenza.

Q: What is influenza?

A: "Influenza is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat and lungs. It can cause mild to severe illness, and the best way to prevent influenza is by getting a flu vaccine each year."

Q: When is the flu season?

A: "It's not really possible to predict what the flu season will be like this year. The timing, severity and length of the flu season varies usually from one year to the next. Most commonly, flu activity peaks between December and February."

Q: What should you do if you have the flu?

A: "The best way would be to contact your physician. They may be able to order an antiviral. But a test to determine that for sure, that's the only way to determine that you actually have influenza."

Sevier also said young children and the elderly are most susceptible to the virus, and it is recommended anyone six months of age or older get a flu vaccine. Stay home, drink fluids and rest if symptoms pop up. Symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches and fatigue.

Q: When can you get the vaccine?

A: "Our flu clinics are every Thursday between the hours of 10 a.m. and 5 p.m., until Thanksgiving. ... It's the best defense, other than good hand washing, to stay healthy during the winter months."

Sevier said the cost is $30, but commercial insurances and Medicare are also accepted. The vaccine will protect against four strains of flu, including H1N1.

Q: What are some downsides to getting the influenza vaccine?

A: "You may still become ill with influenza. Symptoms will be much, much less. ... With any vaccine, there's always the chance of some tenderness and discomfort at the injection site."

One thing Sevier wanted to point out was that the vaccine specifically protects against the respiratory influenza virus. It does not protect against what is known as the stomach flu, a gastrointestinal virus that causes vomiting and abdominal pain.

Q: What are the predictions about how severe influenza will be in Iowa this year?

A: "So far, it looks like, in early October, very minimal activity of influenza, and that's state-wide. But, that can always change. ... It's still wise to get the vaccine."