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   WALKER - “Flu season” is here. Flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and lungs. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to hospitalization or even death. Every flu season is different, and influenza infection can affect people differently.

   Flu symptoms come on quickly in the form of fever, dry cough, sore throat, headache, extreme tiredness, stuffed-up nose, and body aches. These symptoms can be quite severe. Everyone 6 months and older should get a flu vaccine every year unless they cannot because of medical reasons. Those most at risk from becoming seriously ill from influenza include:

   • Pregnant women

   • Young children, especially those under 5 years old

   • People aged 65 and older

   • People with chronic medical conditions, such as asthma, lung and heart disease, chronic kidney disease and diabetes, weakened immune system, and obesity.

   • American Indian and Alaska Native

   People who live or care for those most at risk for complications from the flu, including health care workers and day care providers are highly recommended to get vaccinated.

   The best way to prevent the flu is to receive a flu vaccine. Flu vaccines have an excellent safety record. You cannot get the flu from the flu shot. Some people do experience mild flu-like symptoms for a short time after being vaccinated, but this is a sign that their body is responding to the vaccine and offering protection. It is important to note that influenza is not the same as the “stomach flu”.

   In order to protect yourself and others from the influenza virus:

   • Get vaccinated.

   • Avoid being exposed to others who are sick.

   • Cover your cough.

   • Wash your hands often, with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

   • Take special care to protect infants, avoiding large crowds during active flu season and avoiding close contact between the baby and family members who may be sick.

   • Don’t share utensils, cups, or straws.

   • Don’t smoke around children.

   If you think you have the flu:

   • Stay home if you are ill.

   • Rest and drink lots of fluids.

   • Antibiotics will not help a person recover from the flu, because the flu is caused by a virus.

   • Children often need help keeping their fever under control. Follow your doctor’s instructions.

   • If you are concerned that something is not right with yourself or your child, call your doctor or clinic.

   Cass County Public Health will conduct flu vaccine clinics:

   • Wednesday September 30th Walker HHVS 9:00am-3:30pm 400 Michigan Ave W

   • Wednesday October 7th Backus Land Office 9:30-12:00pm 218 Washburn Ave E

   Vaccination will be billed to your insurance or available as private pay.

   Flu vaccine for Minnesota Vaccine for Children (MnVFC) will be available for children who are on MA or who are un or underinsured and a limited supply of eligible un and underinsured adult vaccine. For more information, please contact Jeri Seegmiller at 218-547-6839 or email at [email protected].

   For key facts about Seasonal Flu Vaccine please visit the CDC website at https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/keyfacts.htm or the Minnesota Department of Health’s influenza website at: http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/idepc/diseases/flu/index.html

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