Douglas County
Public Health
725 Elm Street
Suite 1200
Alexandria MN 56308

 

320-763-6018
fax: 320-763-4127

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Seasonal Influenza & H1N1 Novel Influenza

Minnesota FluLine Now Open for Calls
A new phone-based service is now available for Minnesotans who think they may have the flu.
People with possible flu symptoms can call the Minnesota FluLine at 1-866-259-4655 for information and treatment options. Professionals will be available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. People with limited English skills will be connected with an interpreter. There is no charge for the call.

Click HERE to be taken directly to the H1N1 Novel Influenza information
located on the lower portion of this page.


Seasonal Influenza (Flu)
What is Influenza (also called Flu)?
The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times lead to death. The best way to prevent the flu is by getting a flu vaccination each year.

Every year in the United States, on average:

  • 5% to 20% of the population gets the flu;
  • More than 200,000 people are hospitalized from flu complications; and
  • About 36,000 people die from flu.

Some people, such as older people, young children, and people with certain health conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease), are at high risk for serious flu complications.

What are the signs and symptoms of seasonal influenza?
Symptoms of flu include:

  • Fever (usually high)
  • Runny or stuffy nose
  • Headache
  • Muscle aches
  • Extreme tiredness
  • Stomach symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, also can occur but are more common in children than adults
  • Dry cough
  • Sore throat

How does seasonal flu spread?

  • Mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing
  • Touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.

Most healthy adults may be able to infect others beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 5 days after becoming sick. That means that you may be able to pass on the flu to some else before you know you are sick, as well as while you are sick.

What can I do to prevent myself from getting sick?
The single best way to prevent the flu is to get a flu vaccination each year. There are two types of vaccines:

  • The “flu shot” – and inactivated vaccine (containing killed virus) that is given with a needle. The flu shot is approved for use in people 6 months of age and older including healthy people and people with chronic medical conditions.
  • The nasal-spray flu vaccine – a vaccine made with live, weakened flu viruses that do not cause the flu (sometimes called LIAV for “Live Attenuated Influenza Vaccine”). LAIV is approved for use in healthy people 2-49 years of age who are not pregnant.

When to Get Vaccinated
You should seek out a seasonal influenza vaccination as soon as it becomes available. This is because the timing and duration of influenza seasons vary. While influenza outbreaks can happen as early as October, most of the time influenza activity peaks in January or later.

 

H1N1 Novel Influenza
What is H1N1 Novel Influenza (formerly known as swine flu)?
H1N1 novel influenza is a respiratory illness caused by a virus. H1N1 is a certain kind of influenza that can cause infection to humans.

What are the signs and symptoms of H1N1 novel influenza?
The symptoms are similar to season flu:

  • Fever (above 100° F)
  • Stuffy nose
  • Cough
  • In some cases diarrhea and vomiting
  • Sore throat
  


How does H1N1 influenza spread?

  • When a person with flu coughs or sneezes
  • Touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.


What can I do to protect myself from getting sick?

  • Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue every time you cough or sneeze. Throw the used tissue in the waste basket.
  • If you don’t have a tissue, sneeze or cough into your sleeve.
  • Clean your hands often with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand cleaner.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick, if possible.
  • Stay healthy: eat nutritious foods, get enough sleep, and exercise.


What should I do if I get sick?
If you become ill with influenza-like symptoms, including fever, cough, sore throat, and stuffy nose, you should:

  • Call your healthcare provider to determine if you need to be evaluated.
  • Stay home and avoid contact with other people as much as possible to keep from spreading your illness to others.

More Information
Call Douglas County Public Health, 320-763-6018


Helpful Links

H1N1 Frequently Asked Questions

For Health Professionals
http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/idepc/diseases/flu/h1n1/hcp/index.html

For EMS, First Responders, and Law Enforcement
http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/idepc/diseases/flu/h1n1/ps/index.html

For Camps
http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/idepc/diseases/flu/h1n1/camps/index.html

For Colleges and Universities
http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/idepc/diseases/flu/h1n1/colleges/index.html

For K - 12 Schools
http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/idepc/diseases/flu/school/index.html
Parent Fact Sheet
How to Manage Influenza Symptoms
Parent Vaccination Letter
H1N1 Vaccine Consent Form
H1N1 Nasal Spray Fact Sheet
H1N1 Shot Fact Sheet

For Childcare
http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/idepc/diseases/flu/childcare/index.html

For Long-Term Care
http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/idepc/diseases/flu/h1n1/ltc/index.html

For News Media
http://www.health.state.mn.us/news/h1n1.html

Food Operators
http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/eh/ehs/h1n1flu.html

For Businesses
Business Toolkit
Influenza Like Illness Screening Tool for Employees
Influenza Like Illness Reporting Form