Richland County’s flu season is here with a positive Influenza A and one Influenza B case tested locally this last weekend. The persons tested in the ER were not vaccinated with influenza vaccine.
Vaccination remains the best prevention for influenza and influenza related complications. Vaccination is recommended for all children ages 6 months and older. Persons who have any chronic health condition (diabetes, heart disease, cancers, immune suppressed, pregnant, have compromised lung/respiratory diseases, etc,) are at risk of complications from influenza illness and are strongly urged to get yearly influenza vaccinations.
Richland County Health Department wants residents to know there is still time to get a flu shot from the health department or check with their local healthcare provider.
In addition to vaccination please take other precautions to help limit the spread of the disease, including: wash your hands thoroughly and frequently, especially after contact with anyone who may be ill; cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing; stay home from work, school, daycare and large gatherings when you’re sick; get plenty of rest and eat nutritious foods and drink plenty of fluids.
Symptoms of influenza include sudden onset of fever, severe body aches, chest discomfort & cough, chills, fatigue. Occasionally a sore throat & stuffy nose may be included. Influenza is spread person to person through close contact.
Contact your healthcare provider or the health department for more information. For information on vaccinations clinics at the Richland County Health Dept. call 433-2207 or go to http://www.richland.org/index.aspx.
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