Kalkaska Memorial Health Center Emergency Department Medical Director Sally Ancel, D.O., said the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) tracking shows the virus may not have yet peaked in the nation.
“It’s important for everyone to know that a flu vaccination still can help minimize the impact of the virus,” she said. “There are likely weeks of flu activity to come.”
Symptoms of the flu generally include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, fatigue, and sometimes vomiting. The flu differs from cold viruses in that symptoms occur abruptly while cold symptoms appear more gradually. Those with a cold virus more rarely have a fever or chills and generally do not experience fatigue to the same extent of a flu attack.
General care for the flu and cold viruses involves bed rest, staying hydrated using clear liquids, and taking over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen to reduce fever or muscle aches.
Dr. Ancel said medical care should be sought for children when there is trouble breathing, a bluish skin color occurs, they are not drinking enough fluids, or symptoms improve and then return with a fever and more severe cough.
For adults, medical care should be sought when there is trouble breathing, pain or pressure in the chest, sudden dizziness, confusion, severe vomiting, or symptoms improve and then return with a fever and worse cough.
Typically the flu season peaks in February, but in more severe seasons can extend deeper into the spring.
Vaccinations are available at District Health Department #10 by calling 231-258-8669 to schedule an appointment. The flu vaccine also is available from Kalkaska Medical Associates and for those 10 - 21 years old at the hospital’s Teen Health Corner location in Kalkaska and for those 5 – 21 years at the Forest Area location.
More information about the flu can be found at the CDC website cdc.gov/flu.
Kalkaska Memorial Health Center is located at 419 S. Coral St. in Kalkaska.