The flu is marching its way across Stutsman County, leaving coughing and achy bodies in its wake. Sixty-two cases of the flu in Stutsman County were reported to the North Dakota Department of Health for the week of February 18th, with numbers expected to rise.
“ We are seeing an increase of patients in the emergency department with flu- like symptoms,” says Nikki Mack, an RN at JRMC, “ that means the virus is active and in the community.”
Mack says that although the flu is active in the community, there are steps you can take to prevent catching and spreading the virus.
“ Hand washing is so important in the prevention of flu, make sure you are washing your hands frequently and properly,” says Mack.
Other ways to prevent spreading the illness are: Frequent hand washing, the current flu vaccination, and avoiding contact with sick people.
The 2016-2017 flu vaccination protects against the four strands of viruses that research suggests will be most common that year.
Some of the dreaded symptoms of the flu can be fever, runny/stuffy nose, headaches, fever, chill, body aches, cough or fatigue. If you feel any of those symptoms, stay home and rest, suggest Mack.
“Many people don’t know when to seek medical attention for the flu” says Mack, “ It can be confusing to know when to seek help.”
Seek immediate medical attention for your child if they are showing any of the following symptoms: Trouble breathing or fast breathing, bluish skin color, fever with a rash, signs of dehydration. Some additional symptoms to watch for in adults are: Sudden dizziness, confusion, severe vomiting and difficulty breathing.
The elderly and infants are particularly vulnerable to the flu, and this year’s strain is no different says JRMC Emergency Department Manager Sheila Krapp.
“Our ED was flooded with flu patients the last two weekends, “says Krapp.
Krapp encourages people who have the flu to stay home and not spread the virus.
“ Help prevent the spread of the flu by staying home when you are sick. You are helping yourself and the community, “ says Krapp.
If you are interested in still receiving this year’s flu vaccination, you can contact the Essentia walk in clinic at (701)253-5300, or Sanford clinic at (701) 253-4000