Health Nuggets

Respiratory season is approaching, and now is the time to prepare.  Respiratory season brings increased circulation of influenza (flu), RSV, and COVID‑19.  While influenza is generally mild for most of us, it can be severe and even life threatening for those at higher risk.

Flu is a contagious respiratory disease. It is not the same as the "stomach flu."  Flu is caused by a virus that attacks the nose, throat, and lungs.  It can cause mild to severe illness and at times can lead to death for those at highest risk.  Flu symptoms include fever, dry cough, sore throat, headache, extreme tiredness, and body aches.  Not everyone will have a fever or experience all of these symptoms.  Symptoms usually begin suddenly and might be severe enough to stop your daily activities.

Influenza, COVID-19, and RSV vaccinations help to prevent infection for people of all ages and are especially important for reducing the risk of severe illness and hospitalization.  The flu vaccine is widely available.  Check with your provider, your pharmacist or your public health office. 

Everyone 6 months of age and older should get flu vaccine every year.  Getting a flu vaccine helps protect you from getting the flu or getting very sick with the flu that could cause you to be hospitalized or even die.  It also can prevent you from passing it to people who could get very sick such as:

• People age 65 and older.
• Young children, especially those under 2 years old.
• Pregnant women.
• People with chronic health conditions such as asthma, diabetes, and heart disease.
• American Indian and Alaska Natives.

Although these groups are at highest risk, anyone can become very sick with flu.  If you think you have the flu:  Stay home! 

A question that is asked frequently is:  Can I get the flu from the flu vaccine?  Some people get a mild fever or have discomfort for a short time after being vaccinated, but this is a sign that your body is responding to the vaccine. It is not the flu.  Also, because there are many viruses circulating in the fall, it is possible to get sick with a different virus around the same time they get flu vaccine.

For best protection, flu vaccine is recommended in September or October, before flu season starts.  But you can get it anytime during flu season, which is typically October through April.  You should get the flu vaccine even if you already had the flu this season.   If your child is 6 months through 8 years old, he or she may need two doses at least four weeks apart.  Ask your doctor or clinic. The most important thing is to get vaccinated.

https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/flu/index.html

Submitted by: North Country Community Health Services and Beltrami County Community Health Services- www.ncchb.org or www.co.beltrami.mn.us/services/public-health/ or find us on Facebook-North Country Community Health Services