By Nick Gale, WLS-AM 890 News
(SPRINGFIELD, Ill.) — The influenza activity level in Illinois remains widespread, so much so, that the state is encouraging those who still haven’t gotten a flu shot to get one.
The Illinois Department of Public Health reports the most recent report shows 1032 influenza-related ICU admissions, two influenza-related pediatric deaths, and 285 influenza outbreaks.
“The most common influenza strain circulating in Illinois and across the country has been an influenza A strain H3N2, which tends to cause more severe illness,” said IDPH Director Nirav D. Shah. “However, other strains can become more common later in the season. If you still have not gotten a flu shot, it’s not too late. The vaccine will help protect you and those around you from the flu strains circulating this season.”
Flu symptoms can include fever or feverish/chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headache, tiredness, and some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults.
Flu is typically spread by droplets when someone with the flu talks, coughs, or sneezes. 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 5 to 7 days after becoming sick.
In addition to getting a flu shot, IDPH recommends following the 3 C’s: clean, cover, and contain.
- Clean – frequently wash your hands with soap and warm water.
- Cover – cover your cough and sneeze.
- Contain – contain your germs by staying home if you are sick.
@ 2018 WLS-AM News
