Influenza Public Service Announcement

Public Service Announcement Date: 3/1/24 Influenza Seasonal Influenza activity is elevated nationally and in some parts of the country. Surveillance over the month of February indicates that Kimaw Medical Center saw higher levels than normal of patients being diagnosed with Influenza B. Influenza is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and sometimes the lungs. The virus can cause mild to severe illness, and at times lead to death. Locally we are seeing mild to moderate illness lasting 1 to 2 weeks. Flu Symptoms Flu symptoms usually come on suddenly. ➢ Fever or feeling feverish/chills. ➢ Cough ➢ Sore Throat ➢ Runny of stuffy nose ➢ Muscle or body aches ➢ Fatigue (tiredness) ➢ Vomiting and Diarrhea (less common symptom) Spread Influenza spreads through respiratory droplets when an individual infected with the virus coughs, sneezes, or talks and the virus enters the mouth or nose of individuals nearby. It is less often spread by touching infected surfaces then coming into contact with an individuals’ mouth, nose, or eyes. Period of Contagiousness ➢ Most contagious 3-4 days after illness begins. ➢ May be able to infect others 1 day before the onset of symptoms develop and 5-7 days after becoming ill. Prevention ➢ Flu vaccines (available Monday through Friday at KMC) ➢ Stay home if you are ill. ➢ Stay away from ill individuals. ➢ Wash hands or use hand sanitizer frequently. ➢ Wear masks if ill. If you are ill with Influenza, you may be eligible to receive antiviral medications. Please make an appointment at the Kimaw Medical Center. If you are experiencing a life-threatening illness, call 911 and go to the nearest emergency room. Angie Brown RN,BSN, PHN, CSN Director of Nursing, Kimaw Medical Center 530-625-4261 Ext 0231 Kimaw Medical Center Appointments 530-625-4261 Ext 0259 or Ext 0221