By Darlynn Williams, Public Health Nurse
As of 1/21/2020, Montana has over 1600 cases of influenza, with 10 cases confirmed in Powder River County. Ages range from 2 years old to 90 years old locally; one case has been hospitalized. It is likely there are many more who have had influenza but haven’t been tested. The number of students absent due to illness has sky rocketed in the past 2 weeks, with 18-22 students absent each day from grades 7-12.
Influenza is a contagious, upper-respiratory disease caused by different strains of influenza viruses. While many people use the imprecise term "flu" to describe 24 or 48 hour bouts of illness, real influenza can interfere with normal daily activities for as long as a week. Flu usually comes on suddenly. People who have flu often feel these symptoms: fever or feeling feverish/chills (not everyone has a fever), cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches, fatigue (tiredness).
If you get sick with flu symptoms, in most cases, you should stay home and avoid contact with other people except to get medical care. CDC recommends prompt treatment for people who have flu infection or suspected flu infection and who are at high risk of serious flu complications, such as people with asthma, diabetes or heart disease.
Protect yourself and those around you by getting your flu vaccine this season. Darlynn Williams RN advises, “Flu vaccination is the best available protection against flu. It’s not too late to get your flu shot.” Everyone 6 months and older should get a flu shot this year to reduce their risk of flu illness and serious flu-related complications and to protect people around them, especially those who might be more susceptible to serious flu illness.
In addition to getting the flu vaccine, everyday preventive actions like staying away from sick people, covering your cough and washing your hands with soap and water can reduce the spread of germs. If you are ill, stay home from work or school and avoid the public until you have been fever free for 24 hours without the use of medications such as Tylenol or Ibuprofen.
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