As flu hospitalizations surge, health officials urge prevention
By Chasidy Davis BSN, RN
Public Health Nurse
Highland County Health Department
Right now, the flu is spreading in our community and around the state. Erin Mustard, Director of Nursing at the Highland County Health Department, reports that influenza hospitalizations in the region over the past few weeks are five times higher than the five-year average, showing how serious flu activity is right now.
The flu spreads when a sick person coughs, sneezes, or talks, and it can also spread by touching shared surfaces and then touching your face. People can spread the flu most in the first few days they are sick, sometimes even before they feel ill. If you have flu symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, body aches, or feeling very tired, it is important to stay home until you feel better and have been fever-free for at least 24 hours without using medicine. Simple steps like washing your hands, covering coughs and sneezes, cleaning shared surfaces, and avoiding touching your face can help protect others.
Flu shots are recommended for most people 6 months and older, especially children, older adults, pregnant people, and those with certain health conditions. It usually takes about two weeks after getting a flu shot for your body to build protection. Flu shots are available at the Highland County Health Department during normal business hours or – call (937)393-1941 to schedule an appointment. We can all work together to keep Highland County healthy.