Flu shots still available

Alexis Barker
NLJ News Editor
 
Weston County Public Health, Weston County Health Services and Regional Health Medical Clinic’s Newcastle office all still have quadrivalent influenza vaccines available for anyone 6 months or older, according to representatives of each facility. 
Influenza, a contagious respiratory illness, is caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and sometimes the lungs. The virus can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death, according to the Centers for Disease Control. 
Last year, Wyoming and the nation experienced significant numbers of confirmed influenza cases with the Wyoming Department of Health reporting 2,476 cases by Jan. 20. 
Angela Phillips, prevention nurse at Weston County Health Services, said that the only protection against influenza is the flu vaccine and people are encouraged to get the vaccine before flu season, which typically peaks between December and February. 
“While seasonal influenza (flu) viruses are detected year-round in the United States, flu viruses are most common during the fall and winter,” the CDC says. “The exact timing and duration of flu seasons can vary, but influenza activity often begins to increase in October. Most of the time flu activity peaks between December and February, although activity can last as late as May.” 
According to the CDC, everyone 6 months of age and older can and should get a flu vaccine every season. 
“Vaccination is particularly important for people who are at high risk of serious complications from influenza,” the CDC says, noting that the vaccination can reduce flu illnesses, doctors’ visits, missed work and school, as well as prevent flu-related hospitalizations. 
“The flu vaccine has been shown to be life-saving in children. In fact, a 2017 study showed that flu vaccination can significantly reduce a child’s risk of dying from the flu,” the CDC says. 
According to Phillips, signs and symptoms of the flu usually come on suddenly and include fever or feeling feverish/chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches, fatigue, and some may experience vomiting or diarrhea. She noted that it is important to remember that not everyone with the flu will have a fever. 
Phillips said that while anyone can contract the flu, it is important for individuals to pay close attention to children and the elderly with these symptoms. Anyone experiencing trouble breathing, issues getting their fever down or any signs of dehydration should seek medical attention. 
Treatment for the flu, according to Phillips, can include an antiviral called Tamiflu, which can be effective if the individual has not been experiencing symptoms too long. 
“With the flu, it is a virus so it takes lots of rest and fluids,” Phillips said. 
She noted that hand washing is very important in preventing the spread of the flu, as well as other illnesses, and that anyone who is sick with flu-like symptoms should remain at home. 
“If you have a fever, stay home until you are afebrile for 24 hours without fever-reducing medications,” Phillips said, noting that people can infect others 24 hours before they experience symptoms and that they can be contagious for several days after being sick.