Flu cases on the rise in Logan County

[January 20, 2017]  LINCOLN - Over the past week, Logan County Department of Public Health (LCDPH) has seen a dramatic increase in the number of flu cases reported. This coincides with Centers for Disease Control (CDC) finding which indicates a progressive spike in flu cases found throughout the U.S. The CDC reminds the public that the flu season is “officially in full swing” and the season will typically last through May.

Further data also confirms that the predominant flu strain people are infected with is type A, H3N2 which is associated with more severe symptoms and a higher mortality rate, especially in young children and seniors. While the current flu vaccine may not guarantee a person full protection from this strain, the vaccine can significantly reduce the chances of severe symptoms and one’s ability to pass the virus to other individuals.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 25,000 people in the United States die each year from influenza, and 966,000 medical visits and 67,000 hospitalizations were prevented last year by the vaccine.

While everyone 6 months of age or older should get a flu vaccine this season, as recommended by the CDC, it is especially important for certain groups at higher risk of medical complications from the flu get vaccinated for their own safety, including:

• Children aged 6 months through 4 years of age
• Pregnant women
• Adults 50 years of age or older
• People who are immunosuppressed
• People of any age with certain chronic medical conditions, including asthma, heart disease, diabetes, or chronic lung disease

People who live with or care for those at high risk of flu complications should also be vaccinated including:

• Health care workers
• Household contacts of persons at high risk of complications from the flu
• Household contacts and out-of-home caregivers of children younger than 6 months of age (these children are too young to be vaccinated and are at risk to become infected)

Influenza can be a serious disease of the lungs, nose, and throat. The illness is spread from person to person through contact with infected respiratory secretions transmitted by coughing and sneezing. Typical flu symptoms include fever, headache, extreme tiredness, dry cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, and muscle aches.

The LCDPH would like to remind everyone to get vaccinated if you have not done so already. Flu vaccinations are available at the Logan County Department of Public Health, located at 109 Third Street, Lincoln. The walk-in clinic hours of operation are Monday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Friday 7:30 until noon.

For your convenience, the department now accepts all major insurance cards. If you have questions, please contact the Logan County Department of Public Health at 217-735-2317. For more information regarding services offered at the department, you can also log onto their website at WWW.LCDPH.ORG.

Information Source: CDC

[Don Cavi, MS, LEHP
Public Health Administrator
Logan County Department of Public Health]