Influenza Virus still active locally
Flu Vaccine still available at the Logan County Department of Public Health

[February 12, 2016]  LINCOLN - As of February 3, 2016, three individuals were reported to the Logan County Department of Public Health (LCDPH) as testing positive for the influenza virus. Although we are well into the winter months, influenza can remain active throughout winter and into late spring. If you have not received your flu shot, now is the time to get vaccinated.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), influenza, commonly called "the flu," is an infection of the respiratory tract caused by the influenza virus. Compared with most viral respiratory infections, such as the common cold, influenza infection often causes a more severe illness.

Typical influenza illness includes fever (usually 100 degrees F to 103 degrees F in adults and often even higher in children) and respiratory symptoms, such as cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, as well as headache, muscle aches and extreme fatigue. Although nausea, vomiting and diarrhea can sometimes accompany influenza infection, especially in children, these symptoms are rarely the primary symptoms. Most people who get the flu recover completely in 1 to 2 weeks, but some people develop serious and potentially life-threatening medical complications, such as pneumonia.

The regular seasonal flu vaccine and FluMist which is an inhalant (for those ages 2-49 years) are currently available at LCDPH.

The LCDPH is now directly billing private insurance for your convenience. You must bring your insurance card to receive a vaccine or cash pay will be required. The out of pocket cost for regular seasonal flu vaccine is $35 and the cost for the FluMist is $41. The LCDPH recommends talking with your doctor about which type is best for you.

The LCDPH will always strive to protect the community, promote positive living and prevent disease in its mission to keep the community healthy. If you have questions regarding vaccines, the clinic and other services, contact the LCDPH at 217-735-2317. Current health department hours of operation are Monday through Thursday 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Friday 7:30 a.m. to Noon.

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