Influenza is here for the winter, and it’s here faster than it was last year.
On KVOE’s Morning Show on Friday, Newman Regional Health infection preventionist Ester Knobloch said the hospital had its first confirmed case of flu last week — some two months before the first case last year. Vaccines are still available, and Knobloch urged people to get the shot as soon as possible.
Flu symptoms often develop rapidly and include fever over 100.4 degrees, aching muscles, chills, sweats, dry cough, fatigue or weakness and sore throat. If you get sick, you’re advised to stay home until you get well.
While you may not feel yourself after getting vaccinated, Knobloch says you can’t get the flu from the vaccine. She says the shot contains inactive parts of the virus.
For more information about the flu, talk with your physician.
