The Iowa Department of Public Health (IDHP) reports
sporadic influenza activity in Iowa already. Since September 2012, the State
Hygienic Laboratory has identified three strains of influenza in Iowa –
influenza A (H3N2), 2009 H1N1, and influenza B.
Iowans can protect themselves from the influenza virus
by following disease prevention steps including receiving the vaccination.
Grinnell Regional Public Health is currently hosting clinics in the county to
give many opportunities for individuals to be vaccinated.
IDPH urges all Iowans over 6 months of age to receive
their yearly seasonal influenza vaccine. Surveillance by IDPH influenza
sentinel sites shows the flu appears to be particularly spreading among
children.
While the flu vaccine is the best defense against
getting influenza, it’s also important to take personal actions to help prevent
the spread of illness. Remember the 3Cs: Cover your coughs and sneezes; Clean
your hands frequently; and Contain germs by staying home when ill.
The flu is a 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. 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.
Four vaccination clinics will be held in Poweshiek
County:
Oct. 25 9:30
to 11:30 a.m. Mayflower
Community, Carmen Center
Oct. 29 3
to 6 p.m. Montezuma
School, elementary library
Nov. 1 10
to 11 a.m. Seeland
Park, Tenplex lobby, Grinnell
Nov. 8 11
a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Grinnell United
Methodist Church
For more information about where and what kind of
influenza is in Iowa, go to www.idph.state.ia.us/Cade/Influenza.aspx?pg=FluHome.
What should you do to protect yourself and your
family from the flu?
·
Washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 15-20
seconds. Wash your hands before and after eating, going to the bathroom, or
touching pets, phones, or keyboards.
·
Use hand sanitizer. If you cannot wash your hands, alcohol-based
hand cleaner may be used if your hands do not look dirty.
·
Stay home from work or school when you are ill, and
encourage others to do the same.
·
Stay away from others you know are ill. You are less likely to
become ill if you stay at least three feet from someone who is coughing or
sneezing.
·
Vaccination. The first line of defense against influenza is
to get your influenza vaccination each year.
·
Contact your health care provider. If you experience
flu-like symptoms contact your physician. Your physician may be able to
prescribe antiviral medications for you to shorten the duration of the illness
and prevent transmission.
·
Clean frequently and appropriately. Frequently clean
commonly used surfaces, such as door handles, handrails, eating surfaces, toys,
and phones. Commercial disinfectants or bleach solutions should be used.
(Mixing ¼ cup bleach with 1 gallon of water makes bleach solution. Mix this
solution fresh daily) Some viruses can live from 20 minutes up to two hours or
more on some surfaces.
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