Flu Update

The CDC continues to recommend flu vacation. We are now offering Flu Clinics at both the Northwest and South Campus locations. Please call our Northwest location at 202-8949 and South location 251-8181 to schedule your appointment or be sure to ask your nurse at your next office visit.

STAY INFORMED

Visit the following websites for updates:
www.cdc.gov
www.health.state.mn.us

PREVENTATIVE MEASURES - PROTECT YOURSELF

Avoid touching eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
Avoid hugging, kissing and shaking hands when greeting
Avoid close contact with sick people (those with fever and cough)
Wash hands with soap and water thoroughly and often
Get vaccinated
Practice good health habits (sleeping, eating, and keeping physically active).

KEY FACTS

INFLUENZA SYMPTOMS
Influenza (also known as the flu) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by flu viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. The flu is different from a cold. The flu usually comes on suddenly. People who have the flu often feel some or all of these symptoms:

  • Fever* or feeling feverish/chills
  • Cough
  • Sore throat
  • Runny or stuffy nose
  • Muscle or body aches
  • Headaches
  • Fatigue (tiredness)
  • Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults.

* It's important to note that not everyone with flu will have a fever.

HOW DOES FLU SPREAD?
Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing. Sometimes infection occurs through touching surfaces or objects- with flu viruses on it- and then touching the mouth or nose.

WHO SHOULD BE VACCINATED?
Everyone 6 months and older should get a flu vaccine each year. This recommendation has been in place since February 24, 2010 when CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) voted for “universal” flu vaccination in the U.S. to expand protection against the flu to more people. While everyone should get a flu vaccine each flu season, it’s especially important that certain people get vaccinated either because they are at high risk of having serious flu-related complications or because they live with or care for people at high risk for developing flu-related complications

PEOPLE AT HIGHER RISK FROM FLU
Anyone can get the flu (even healthy people), and serious problems from influenza can happen at any age, but some people are at higher risk of developing serious flu-related complications if they get sick. This includes people 65 years and older, people of any age with certain chronic medical conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease), pregnant women, and young children

IF YOU GET SICK
Stay home from work, school or crowded places
Avoid contact with the very young or the elderly when possible
Seek medical advice immediately if you are in high risk category
Keep a distance of at least three feet from other people
Cover your nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing
Dispose of tissues properly immediately after use
Get plenty of rest and plenty of fluids
Wash your hands often
Avoid travel

How to Manage Influenza Symptoms
For information on managing influenza symptoms please refer to the following websites Minnesota Department of Health website http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/idepc/diseases/flu/basics/index.html or the Center for Disease Control website at http://www.cdc.gov/flu/takingcare.htm