Influenza, “flu for short”, has made its appearance in the Winneshiek County area. Flu is often confused with other conditions, especially the common cold. The symptoms of the flu are generally worse than the common cold. They include body aches, extreme tiredness, headache, dry cough, and fever.
Most cases of flu can be treated at home with bed rest, and drinking plenty of fluids but you need to watch for the emergency warning signs and get immediate medical attention if you see them.
Emergency Warning Signs for Children
· High or prolonged fever
· Fever with a rash
· Fast breathing or trouble breathing
· Bluish skin color
· Not drinking enough fluids
· Changes in the mental state such as not waking up or not interacting
· Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
· Seizures
· Flu-like symptoms that go away and then come back worse
Emergency Warning Signs for Adults
· High or prolonged fever
· Shortness of breathes or trouble breathing
· Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
· Sudden dizziness, near fainting, or fainting
· Confusion
· Severe or persistent vomiting
If any of these symptoms appear, get immediate medical attention.
It is still not too late to get a flu shot.