Northwest Iowa — Have you gotten your flu shot yet this year? While we’ve been in “flu season” arguably since October, experts tell us that as long as the flu is still circulating, it’s never too late to get a flu shot. And there are other things that you can do to stay healthy as well.
According to the Siouxland District Health Department, recent influenza data shows rising case numbers in our area and an increase in hospitalizations caused by flu. The flu season is expected to continue for at least a couple of months yet so they tell us that if you haven’t had your flu vaccine yet, it’s time to do it.
Experts at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention tell us that the flu is a respiratory virus. Symptoms include fever and/or chills, cough, a sore throat, a runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches, and fatigue (tiredness). The Siouxland District Health Department says that if you are experiencing nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or stomach pain, it’s probably not the flu, but rather Norovirus.
They say some people call it “the stomach flu,” but it has nothing to do with influenza. They advise you to stay home when sick and for two days after symptoms stop. and avoid preparing food for others when sick and for two days after symptoms stop.
Washing hands and common surfaces are great ways to stop many different viruses and bacteria. Experts tell us that while hand sanitizers are great in-between hand-washings when you don’t have access to soap and water, there’s no substitute for actually washing your hands.
The CDC recommends this way of washing hands:
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1. Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold), turn off the tap, and apply soap.
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2. Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap. Lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.
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3. Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. Need a timer? Hum the “Happy Birthday” song from beginning to end twice.
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4. Rinse your hands well under clean, running water.
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5. Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry them.
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