Flu facts

From the Logan County Department of Public Health

[November 14, 2012]  The flu and common cold have similar symptoms, but the flu tends to be more severe. It can be difficult to tell the difference between the two. Your health care provider can give you a test within the first few days of illness to determine whether or not you have the flu.

Flu symptoms include the following:

• Fever of 100 degrees F or higher or feeling feverish (not everyone with the flu has a fever)

• Cough or sore throat

• Runny or stuffy nose

• Headaches or body aches

• Chills

• Fatigue

• Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea (most common in children)

The hours for flu vaccines at the health department are Monday through Friday 7:30 a.m. until 4 p.m. No appointment is required. The influenza vaccine is also available on the HOPE Mobile during its regularly scheduled stops.

The cost of the seasonal flu shot is $25 for adults, $16.75 for children 6 months through 18 years of age who have no health insurance or health insurance that doesn't cover vaccines, and free to those with a Medicaid or Medicare card.

For more information on the seasonal influenza vaccine, call the Logan County Department of Public Health at 217-735-2317.

For more information, visit www.flu.gov and www.lcdph.org.

[Text from file received from the Logan County Department of Public Health]