Respiratory Virus Cases Increasing Across the State and Locally
Every year millions of people get the flu. With respiratory illness activity throughout the state at a very high level, the Langlade County Health Department is putting out reminders to help avoid serious illness this season.
What You Need to Know:
Levels of flu are very high across Wisconsin and the nation.
RSV is high particularly for children under the age of 5
Influenza (Flu)- The flu is spread to others when a person coughs or sneezes. It can also spread when someone touches an object with the virus on it and the person then touches their face, mouth or eyes. Symptoms of influenza can include: fever, chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches, fatigue, vomiting and diarrhea.
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)- The RSV virus is spread by droplets when a person coughs or sneezes. Symptoms of RSV can include: runny nose, coughing, fever, appetite decrease and dehydration.
Antibiotics do not work against the flu. Most people with the flu will get better on their own without any medicine. Taking pain relievers, getting extra rest, and drinking fluids can help lessen symptoms. Prescription medications called influenza antivirals can help treat the flu. These antivirals must be prescribed by your health care provider and can help you feel better faster and make the symptoms less intense. For these to work best, they need to be started within two days after you get sick.
How to protect yourself:
Stay up to date with vaccinations.
Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds frequently.
Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
Avoid touching your face (especially mouth, nose and eyes).
Disinfect objects such as doorknobs and countertops frequently.
Anyone sick with a respiratory virus can help prevent the spread and protect others by:
Staying home when experiencing symptoms. Individuals who were sick should stay home until: symptoms are getting better overall AND you do not have a fever (and are not using fever-reducing medicine).
Washing hands often with soap and warm water.
Covering the mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing, then throwing the tissue in the trash.
For more information about flu click here. For more information about the Langlade County Health Department visit: langladecountyhealth.org.
