Flu hasn't descended on county yet, IDPH reports

Sneeze or cough into elbow, away from other people.

That is the best advice healthcare professionals give to avoid contracting influenza and other flu viruses.

No documented cases of influenza have been reported in Plymouth County.

However, on Nov. 14, 2008 the first confirmed case was found in central Iowa in a 7-month-old baby, who was treated overnight and released, according to the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) website.

"Usually our flu season comes in January and February, but so far so good," said Gerilynn Specht, nurse practitioner at Medical Associates, in Le Mars.

Influenza is a highly contagious viral infection that mainly affects the nose, throat, bronchi and sometimes the lungs.

According to the IDPH, 5 to 20 percent of the population gets the flu, more than 200,000 people are hospitalized from the flu and complications and about 36,000 people die from the virus.

The best way to prevent contracting influenza is getting a flu shot or using the flu nasal vaccine spray, according to Specht, and both are still available.

"It takes two weeks to take effect, but yes you can still be protected for this season," Specht said of both the shot and the spray.

However, it doesn't mean people who take the flu vaccine won't contract influenza. Experts try to determine a year in advance which strain will affect people, Specht said.

"Last year they missed the boat," Specht said. "We did see some positive cases even in people that were vaccinated."

Symptoms for influenza are usually a high fever, general body aches, sever nasal congestion and cough, which generally comes on suddenly, she said.

"If people think it's (influenza), it may be beneficial to come in a little sooner than that because they may be a candidate for antiviral (medications)," Specht said. "Antivirals don't cure, but they may lessen symptoms and duration."

Other flus like stomach, common colds and coughs don't come on suddenly.

"We've seen pretty typical amounts of stomach flus. Typically they last 24 to 48 hours," Specht said. We're seeing a lot of coughs, colds and runny noses."

That's why it is so important that people wash their hands with soap and warm water frequently. Health professionals recommend washing as long as it takes to recite the alphabet.

Another big preventative measure is to cover your cough leaning more into your arm sleeve or elbow. That keeps germs from spreading from one person to another.

The same goes for influenza victims.

"Get plenty of rest, eat properly and drink plenty of fluids," Specht said.

Dehydration is another factor those suffering from flus, colds and influenza need to be aware of, Specht said.

"That's true for everyone, but even more important for the elderly and the very young," she said.

Older adults, very young children, those with chronic diseases are at a higher risk of having complications from influenza and the other types of viruses, Specht said.

She advises people to see a doctor in the following situations: a 100 degree fever taken through an oral thermometer that lasts more than three days and, in children, poor food or fluid intake.

"Just use general common sense," Specht said. "If you are ill and feverish, you shouldn't be out and about."

Flu symptoms and prevention

The Iowa Department of Public Health warns people to watch for these symptoms during the flu season:

Fever, usually high

Headache

Extreme tiredness

Dry cough

Sore throat

Runny or stuffy nose

Muscle aches

Stomach symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, also can occur but are more common in children than adults

The IDPH also suggests these tips for flu prevention:

Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick

Stay home when you are sick. If possible stay home from work, school and errands when you are sick.

Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing.

Clean your hands. Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs often spread when a person that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eye, nose or mouth.

Practice other good health habits. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.