Henry & Stark County Health Department

The Henry and Stark County Health Departments note that with onset of the "Cold and Flu Season;" often comes many questions about how individuals can best protect themselves from the "Seasonal" flu. Therefore, we offer the following questions and answers about flu prevention and the advantages of flu vaccination.

What kind of flu vaccines are there? There are two types of vaccines that protect against the flu. The "flu shot" is an inactivated vaccine (containing killed virus) that is given with a needle. A different kind of vaccine, called the nasal-spray flu vaccine contains weakened live viruses, and is administered by nasal spray. The nasal spray vaccine is approved for use only among healthy people between the ages of 2 -49 years of age. The flu shot is approved for use among people over 6 months of age, including healthy people and those with chronic medical conditions.

Why should people get vaccinated against the flu? Influenza is a serious disease, and people of any age can get it. In an average year, the flu causes 36,000 deaths (mostly among those aged 65 years or older) and more than 200,000 hospitalizations in the United States. The flu season in the United States is usually from November through April each year. During this time, flu viruses are circulating in the population. An annual flu vaccine is the best way to reduce the chances that you will get the flu.

When should I get the flu vaccination? The CDC (Centers for Disease Control) recommends that individuals try to get vaccinated in October and November because flu activity in the US generally peaks between late December and early March. However, getting vaccinated in December or even later can still be beneficial since most influenza activity occurs in January or later in most years. Though it varies, flu season can last as late as May.

Who should get vaccinated? RaeAnn Tucker-Marshall, Public Information Director notes, "In general, anyone who wants to reduce their chances of getting the flu can get vaccinated. However, we are encouraging everyone 6 months of age and older to get vaccinated against the flu this year. People at high risk of serious flu complications are strongly encouraged to be vaccinated. These "at-risk" persons include small children, pregnant women, people with chronic health problems like asthma, diabetes, heart and lung disease, health care workers, and people 65 years and older.

Practice the 3Cs! The Health Department reminds individuals to practice flu preventative measures; Clean hands frequently, Cover your nose and mouth when coughing, and contain spread of the flu virus by staying home when you are ill.

The Health Department reminds area residents that they are holding flu clinics throughout Henry and Stark County; as well as through our offices in Kewanee and Colona. For the date, time and location of the clinic nearest you call the Health Department at (309) 852-0197 (Henry) or 852-3115 (Stark).

The Henry and Stark County Health Departments realize that many parents have concerns about infection control and properly judging the severity of their children's flu symptoms.

If your child is sick? If your child is 5 years or older and otherwise healthy and gets "flu-like" symptoms, including a mild fever and/or cough, consult your doctor as needed and make sure your child gets plenty of rest and drinks enough fluids.

If your child is younger than 5, or of any age and has a medical condition like asthma, diabetes, neurological problems, or heart problems and develops flu-like symptoms, including a fever and/or cough, call your doctor or get medical attention. This is because younger children and children who have chronic medical conditions may be at higher risk of serious complications from influenza infection, including H1N1. Talk to your doctor early if you are worried about your child's illness.

What if my child seems very sick? Even children who have always been healthy before or had the flu before can get a severe case of flu. Call or take your child to a doctor right away if your child of any age has:

* Fast breathing or trouble breathing

* Bluish or gray skin color

* Not drinking enough fluids

* Severe or persistent vomiting

* Not waking up or not interacting

* Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held

* Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough

* Has other conditions (like heart or lung disease, diabetes, or asthma) and develops flu-like symptoms, including a fever and/or cough.

Can my child go to school or day care if he or she is sick? No, your child should stay home to rest and to avoid giving the flu to other children.

When can my child go back to school after having the flu? Keep your child home from school or day care for at least 24 hours after their fever is gone. (Their fever should be gone without them having taken a fever-reducing medicine.) A fever is defined as 100 degrees Fahrenheit or 37.8 degrees Celsius.

In addition the nursing staff of the Health Department offers the following tips as a means to prevent illness:

* Wash hands or use alcohol hand solutions after being in public or around anyone with a cold or the flu.

* When coughing or sneezing, turn and cough or sneeze into a disposable tissue; dispose promptly. If no tissue is available, cough or sneeze into the inside of your elbow.

* Don't take young children or those with immune system problems into large crowds unnecessarily when the flu is in your community.

* Avoid close contact (holding, kissing) between infants and anyone who has a cold or the flu.

* Stay home from work or school if you have the flu (fever, muscle aches, cough).

* Do not share things that go into the mouth - drinking cups, straws, etc.

* Frequently clean commonly touched surfaces (door knobs, refrigerator handle, phone, water faucets) if someone in your house has a cold or the flu.

* Do not smoke around children.

Seasonal flu shots for adults and children, 6 months and older, are still available through the Department. Walkins are welcome. For more information on the flu call the Department at (309) 852-5272 Main Office or (309) 792-4011 Colona Office