Health department deals with increase in flu activity

MASON CITY – With the recent increase in cases of norovirus, influenza, and the common cold, absentee rates in our area schools have gained attention. The Cerro Gordo County Department of Public Health would like to reassure parents and residents that at this time of year it is not uncommon to find these illnesses circulating.

Most cases of influenza and norovirus are mild in severity. Some individuals such as infants, young children, elderly, and those with compromised immune systems may be at an increased risk for complications from these viruses.

Influenza is an infection of the nose, throat, and lungs caused by influenza viruses. Symptoms of influenza include: fever (usually high), headache, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, chills, fatigue, body aches, and sometimes vomiting and diarrhea. Symptoms typically appear within 24-72 hours from exposure, with the illness lasting two to five days. People with the flu may be able to infect others by shedding the virus one day before getting sick to five to seven days after. That means that you may be able to pass on the flu to someone else before you know you are sick.  In children, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:

• Fast breathing or trouble breathing
• Bluish skin color
• Not drinking enough fluids
• Not waking up or not interacting
• Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
• Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
• Fever with a rash

In general, the flu is worse than the common cold, and symptoms such as fever, body aches, extreme tiredness, and dry cough are more common and intense. Colds are usually milder than the flu, and people with colds are more likely to have a runny or stuffy nose.

Norovirus is a virus that causes your stomach and intestines or both to become inflamed (acute gastroenteritis). You may hear norovirus referred to as the “stomach flu”, however norovirus is not related to influenza. Norovirus is spread through direct contact with an infected person, contaminated food or water, or by touching contaminated surfaces.  Norovirus may also become airborne if someone nearby is vomiting. The most common symptoms of norovirus include: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps. You may also find headache, fever, chills, and body aches, which could lead to confusion between influenza and norovirus.  Symptoms typically appear within 24-48 hours of exposure, with the illness lasting 24-48 hours. People are most contagious when sick, and during the first three days after their symptoms have stopped.

“Because colds and flu share many symptoms, it can be difficult to tell the difference between them based on symptoms alone,” says Jeni Stiles, Disease Prevention Nurse, Cerro Gordo County Department of Public Health. “Whether you suspect you have the common cold, influenza, or norovirus, it is very important to increase fluids to prevent dehydration and get plenty of rest.”

Officials with the Health Department urge you to prevent the spread of these viruses by practicing the following good health tips:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
• Avoid people who are sick.
• Stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick. You will help prevent others from catching your illness.
• Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue, and discard the tissue in the trash.
• Keep commonly touched surfaces such as bathroom and kitchen counters, children’s toys, door knobs, light switches, etc. sanitized with a household disinfectant.

“It’s very important to keep commonly used surfaces sanitized throughout the day,” says Stiles. “Influenza has been shown to live on surfaces for up to eight hours, yet norovirus can live on surfaces for many days.”

The Health Department still has flu vaccine available. Our Immunization Clinic is open Monday-Friday from 10:00 – Noon and 12:30 – 4:00 PM.  The Health Department accepts most major health insurances.

For more information about influenza, influenza prevention or the influenza vaccine, please call 641-421-9322