Increased Influenza Activity in the Area

Influenza and influenza-like illness levels are high in Northwestern Wisconsin and Barron County. Public health works with medical providers, labs, and schools to monitor the number of people reporting influenza-like illness and positive tests.  All of Western and Northern Wisconsin are now seeing high numbers of influenza-like illness and positive tests. 

“We understand it can be difficult to stay home when sick,” states Laura Sauve, Health Officer, “but this is the best way to stop the spread of illness.  Protect your family, friends and coworkers; stay home if you are having symptoms of influenza.”

Symptoms of influenza include: fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills, tiredness and sometimes children will also have vomiting and diarrhea. 

Your help is needed to stop the spread of this illness.  It is important to:

• Stay home if you are sick.  Those with symptoms of influenza should stay home for at least 24 hours after their fever has ended.  The fever should be gone without using fever-reducing medicine.
• Sneeze or cough into a tissue or your sleeve.
• Wash hands a lot with soap and water for as long as it takes to sing the ABC song.  If you cannot wash your hands use an alcohol-based hand rub.
• Try not to touch your eyes, mouth, or nose.  Germs spread this way. 
• Stay away from people who are sick.
• Get vaccinated for influenza.  Public Health, your medical provider, and many pharmacies still have vaccine.  It’s not too late to vaccinate!
• Some people are at a high risk for serious flu-related complications.  Children younger than 5 years old and anyone with chronic health conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, and disorders of the brain or nervous system) are at more risk for serious complications.  They may need to take antiviral medicine.  If you are at high risk, contact your doctor right away when symptoms start to see if you need this medicine. 

More information can be found at www.cdc.gov/flu or https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/influenza/index.htm or 

by contacting your medical provider or public health at 715-537-5691, ext. 6442.

Your cooperation is needed to help stop the spread of influenza and keep our communities healthy.