First flu case confirmed in Hill County

With the first confirmed case of influenza reported in Hill County, the county health department is reminding the public to get vaccinated against influenza as soon as possible.

Influenza vaccination is recommended for everyone 6 months of age and older. Annual vaccination is safe and the most effective method to prevent influenza infections. Protection provided by vaccination lasts throughout the entire flu season, even when vaccine is given in early fall.

Hill County Health Department will have flu shots available Monday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and through the lunch hour.

“Come in, get your flu shot and help us say Boo to the Flu on Halloween,” a press release from the department says. “If you cannot make it in that day, call 265-5481, ext. 266, for other available times.”

Millions of people contract influenza in the nation each year, with hundreds of thousands requiring hospitalization and thousands dying from complications of the disease.

The vaccine is available through a shot or with a nasal inhaler that can be used people who have no health problems and are not pregnant, ages 6 months to 49 years.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention lists the common symptoms of the flu as:

• Fever or feeling feverish or having chills, although not everyone who has the flu will have a fever;

• Cough;

• Sore throat;

• Runny or stuffy nose;

• Muscle or body aches;

• Headaches;

• Fatigue or tiredness, and

• Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults.

The best ways to avoid contracting the flu are to receive a vaccination and to use common sense in avoiding contracting the virus, such as frequently washing hands.

People who come down with the illness generally are urged to stay home, rest and drink plenty of liquids. They are asked to avoid going out, as this could spread the virus to others.

In case of complications, people need to quickly contact a doctor to receive proper care. CDC lists signs of complications as:

In children:

• Fast breathing or trouble breathing

• Bluish skin color

• Not drinking enough fluids

• 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

• Fever with a rash

In addition to the signs above, people should get medical help right away for any infant who has any of these signs:

• Being unable to eat

• Having trouble breathing

• Having no tears when crying

• Having significantly fewer wet diapers than normal

Symptoms in adults include:

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath;

• Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen;

• Sudden dizziness;

• Confusion;

• Severe or persistent vomiting;

• Flu-like symptoms that improve but then return with fever and worse cough.