Seasonal vaccines to battle influenza are now widely available throughout Minnesota.
Kristie Rathmanner with Wright County Public Health reminds everyone that influenza is far different than what a lot of people refer to as the “stomach flu”…
“That is a respiratory illness that is caused by viruses that attack the lungs, nose and throat, and that is very different than those that cause the stomach upset and diarrhea that are common with the stomach flu. Influenza symptoms are similar to cold symptoms and can be mild or severe, they typically cause a cough, sore throat, body aches and fever. Usually influenza is more severe than a cold, and it can come on a lot more suddenly than a typical cold.”
She says while influenza typically is not life-threatening, it can lead to potentially deadly conditions which can be the most dangerous for the youngest and oldest members of the population…
“Certain people are at risk for severe complications such as pneumonia, bacterial infections and hospitalizations. Those are children under the age of 2, and those over 65, pregnant women and people with chronic health conditions.”
Seasonal flu shots are commonly available from your primary physician, local pharmacy, and from Wright County’s WOW Van program. To make an appointment for the WOW Van, call (763) 682-7516.
