Eau Claire County officials say influenza activity on rise

Influenza activity is on the rise nationwide, statewide, and in our community. The Eau Claire City-County Health Department is receiving reports of influenza from hospitals, medical clinics, schools, and long-term care facilities. 

Statewide more than 600 cases of influenza-associated hospitalizations have been reported as well as several deaths. The flu season has clearly arrived and it appears to be severe. 

As reported earlier, this may be a more severe flu season in part because the main type of flu circulating has changed or drifted making the flu shot somewhat less effective. 

However, public health officials want to stress that the flu shot is still the best protection against the flu.

“Although one type of flu has changed, the flu shot protects you against the other three types of flu and will provide some level of protection against the drifted type,” Lieske Giese, director of the Eau Claire City-County Health Department, said.

The holiday season brings many activities that involve larger groups of family and friends. Because a person can spread the flu before they have symptoms, it is important for everyone to take an active part in protecting themselves, their families and their friends. 

Health officials offer these tips to protect yourself and others from the flu: 

• Get a flu shot – it is not too late.

• Avoid close contact with sick people.

• If you are sick, stay home.

• Cover your coughs and sneezes.

• Wash your hands frequently. 

• If you have flu-like symptoms, seek treatment immediately. 

The respiratory flu – influenza - is different from a cold. The flu usually comes on suddenly with more severe symptoms. People who have the flu often feel some or all of these symptoms: Fever or chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches and fatigue (tiredness).

Most people who get the flu will recover in a few days to less than two weeks, but some people will develop complications (such as pneumonia) as a result of the flu, some of which can be life-threatening and result in death. Infants, young children, pregnant women, the elderly, and individuals with certain chronic illnesses are at highest risk for severe cases and complications of influenza. 

Flu shots are available at many clinics and pharmacies throughout the community. Visit www.echealthdepartment.org for a list of the clinic dates and times at the Eau Claire City-County Health Department.

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