It’s Here…The Flu

Even though the weather doesn’t feel like it, the influenza season has officially begun in Iowa. And, it appears to be off to an early start, as the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) announced on October 30 that testing by the State Hygienic Laboratory (SHL) has identified cases of influenza circulating the state. 

While influenza activity remains at a low level, the identification of the virus in Iowa should serve as motivation for those who have not yet received their yearly influenza vaccination to do so now.

Grinnell Regional Public Health has influenza vaccine available. You may schedule a vaccination by call 641-236-2385. Our public health staff reminds you to bring your insurance card.

IDPH and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend annual influenza vaccinations for everyone 6 months of age and older. It’s especially important to be vaccinated if you have regular contact with people more vulnerable to the complications of influenza, including babies, children with asthma, and the elderly. IDPH also recommends pregnant women be vaccinated to protect themselves, and to pass on some immunity to their baby.

The flu is a serious respiratory illness caused by viruses. The flu comes on suddenly and symptoms may include fever, headache, tiredness, cough, sore throat, nasal congestion, and body aches. Illness typically lasts two to seven days, and often puts healthy people in bed for days. Influenza may cause severe illness or even death in people such as the very young or very old, or those who have underlying health conditions.

For more information about where and what kind of influenza is in Iowa, go to https://idph.iowa.gov/influenza/reports.

Contact your health care provider or local health department to find out where the vaccine is available in your community or use the Flu Vaccine Finder at www.flu.gov/.