Influenza case confirmed in SW Nebraska

    The first laboratory confirmed case of influenza A has made its way into southwest Nebraska.
    While it did not identify which county, Southwest Nebraska Public Health Department (SWNPHD) officials did confirm it was found in one of the nine counties it serves.
    Chase County is in the SWNPHD service area.
    Influenza is highly contagious and is caused by the influenza virus.   
    The virus is spread from person to person primarily through droplets, which are released when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Regular handwashing, covering your cough and getting a flu shot are highly recommended as prevention methods.
    “The case of influenza A was confirmed at the end of August. This is extremely early to see the flu,” said Melissa Propp, RN, Surveillance Nurse.
    “February is usually the peak of influenza season.”
    Symptoms of influenza (flu) may include a sudden onset of fever, chills, headache, dry cough or muscle aches. Illness may last several days to a week or more before recovery.
    The flu may be especially serious for the elderly and people with diabetes, heart, lung or kidney diseases.
    “Influenza is in your lungs. GI virus attacks your stomach and/or digestive tract. Do not confuse influenza with GI virus, better known as stomach flu,” Propp added.
    The flu shot can protect people from getting influenza but it does not protect them from the stomach flu  
    For more information, contact SWNPHD at 308-345-4223.  Information can also be found on their website at www.swhealth.ne.gov.
Clinic starting to
receive vaccines
    The Chase County Clinic has started to receive shipments of the high dose vaccine (for people 65 and older), said Ronda Sargent, clinic office manager. That is all they have on hand at this time, she said.
    She said the supply companies have assured her more of both vaccines, including the one for those 64 and younger, will be arriving by the first of October.
    This year there will be a flu mist vaccine, she noted. Only the influenza shot has been available the last two flu seasons, Sargent said.