Contemplating getting a flu shot? The director of the Illinois Department of Public Health says it is not too late.
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ROCHELLE — Contemplating getting a flu shot? The director of the Illinois Department of Public Health says it is not too late.
According to IDPH director Nirav D. Shah, M.D., J.D., the highest flu activity is between the months of December and February, but can last as late as May.
“Even healthy people can get the flu,” said Shah. “And while healthy people may not suffer serious illness from the flu, they can pass the virus to babies too young to be vaccinated, people who have chronic illnesses, and others who may develop serious health problems like pneumonia. Before you get together with grandkids and grandparents for the holidays, make sure you not only protect yourself from the flu, but your loved ones as well.”
Locally, Rochelle Community Hospital has not seen unusually high activity of flu cases.
“While we have seen cases of influenza, the numbers at this point are very low,” said Jim Carle, RCH Chief Ancillary Officer. “It is anticipated that the flu season will follow a typical pattern and peak in mid to late winter.”
Schools in the Rochelle area have not seen an unusually high number of absences.
“No, we haven’t seen a lot of flu cases,” said Debbie O’Brien, Rochelle Township High School attendance secretary. “Our attendance for this time of the year has been the same as it always is.”
Shah said the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released estimates from the 2017-18 flu season, attributing 49 million flu illnesses, 960,000 flu hospitalizations and 79,000 deaths.
“Flu is typically spread by droplets when someone with the flu talks, coughs, or sneezes,” as read on the press release from Shah. “People can also get the flu by touching something, like a door handle, that has the virus on it and then touching their mouth, eyes, or nose. On average, it’s about two days after being exposed to the flu before symptoms begin. However, you can pass the flu to someone roughly a day before you start experiencing those symptoms, and up to five to seven days after becoming sick.”
The IDPH recommends the three C’s: Clean, Cover and Contain. Clean, or wash hands frequently with soap and warm water, cover coughs and sneezes and contain germs by staying home when sick.
