The Nebraska Division of Well being and Human Providers (DHHS) is reporting larger ranges of flu and flu-related instances in Nebraska.
Three Rivers Public Well being Division, which providers, Dodge, Saunders and Washington counties, additionally reported Thursday that’s seeing a rise in influenza sicknesses in its district.
The state is experiencing elevated constructive instances, faculty absenteeism, hospital visits, and hospitalizations. A complete of 13 Nebraskans have died from influenza-associated sickness thus far this season.
As flu exercise is presently elevated all through the state, DHHS reminds Nebraskans that the flu vaccine is one of the best safety in opposition to flu-related sicknesses, missed work or faculty, and flu-related hospitalizations.
“The excellent news of declining COVID-19 instances is giving us some much-needed optimism,” stated Dr. Matthew Donahue, State Epidemiologist for DHHS. “As influenza instances enhance, it is crucial for Nebraskans to think about confirmed instruments, just like the flu vaccine and flu antivirals, to maintain themselves and their households protected from illness, hospitalizations, and loss of life.
Individuals are additionally studying…
The simplest protection in opposition to this sickness is the flu vaccine. The vaccine is protected and rigorously examined. The commonest response individuals might expertise from the shot is soreness and redness on the injection web site. After vaccination, it takes about two weeks for the physique to construct immunity. Nebraskans can safely get a flu vaccine at many areas all through the state. Vaccines.gov can also be a useful resource for locating flu vaccines close to you.
The Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention (CDC) recommends flu vaccines for everybody 6 months and older yearly. Sure individuals are at excessive threat for critical issues, and it’s vital they obtain the vaccine:
• Adults 65 years of age or older
• Individuals with continual lung illness (like bronchial asthma and COPD), diabetes (sort 1 and a pair of), coronary heart illness, neurologic circumstances, and sure different long-term well being circumstances
• Residents of nursing properties and different long-term care amenities
As well as, antiviral medicine are additionally an efficient strategy to deal with the flu. Early remedy with antivirals can scale back signs, shorten the period of time you’re sick, scale back the chance of significant flu issues, and probably lower further unfold of the virus. Antivirals presently authorised are: Rapivab (peramivir), Relenza (zanamivir), Tamiflu (oseltamivir phosphate, additionally accessible as generic), and Xofluza (baloxavir marboxil).
Along with getting vaccinated, prevention measures can even shield in opposition to the flu:
• Cowl your nostril and mouth with a tissue each time you cough or sneeze. Throw the used tissue in a wastebasket. If you do not have a tissue, sneeze or cough into your sleeve.
• Observe non-pharmaceutical interventions.
• After coughing or sneezing, all the time clear your arms with cleaning soap and water or an alcohol-based hand cleaner.
• Keep house if you find yourself sick.
• Don’t share consuming utensils, ingesting glasses, towels, or different private gadgets.
• Clear your arms usually with cleaning soap and water or an alcohol-based hand cleaner.
• Keep away from touching your eyes, nostril, or mouth.
• Keep away from shut contact with people who find themselves sick, if doable.
For extra flu info, go to the DHHS web site at dhhs.ne.gov/flu or the CDC web site at cdc.gov/flu.