Flu Activity Increasing in Mahaska County
Mahaska Health Partnership
MAHASKA COUNTY – According to the Iowa Department of Public Health, flu activity in the state is increasing. Your best defense against the virus is to get a flu vaccine.
Mahaska County Public Health, a service of Mahaska Health Partnership, has Walk-In Flu Clinics on Mondays from 8 am to Noon and Thursdays from 1 to 4 pm through the end of March. You can also get a flu vaccine through the MHP Medical Group with your regular primary care provider.
“The flu vaccine is still your best defense against getting the flu,” Malloy explained. “However, because some of the virus strains may only be partially covered in the vaccine, it’s even more important to protect yourself and prevent the spread of illness. Remember the 3Cs: Cover your coughs and sneezes, clean your hands frequently and contain germs by staying home when ill.”
Anti-viral medications are an important second line of defense to treat the flu. The IDPH said that anti-viral medications can make flu illness shorter and reduce the risk of ending up in the hospital or dying from influenza. However, these medications work best if started within 48 hours or sooner from when flu symptoms begin, so visit your primary care provider immediately after the onset of symptoms.
“Don’t forget to prevent the spread of illnesses when going the doctors’ office,” Malloy stressed. “At MHP, we have masks and hand sanitizers at each entrance and we ask people coming in with respiratory illness or flu to please wear a mask to protect others.”
Malloy said the flu comes on suddenly and symptoms may include fever, headache, tiredness, cough, sore throat, nasal congestion and body aches. Illness typically lasts two to seven days.
MHP Public Health has the regular flu vaccine and flu mist available for $25 and the high-dose flu vaccine for those 65 years of age and older for $30. “It can take up to two weeks for the vaccine to take full effect, so make sure to get yours soon to beat the peak of flu season,” Malloy stressed.
Mahaska Health Partnership, located in Oskaloosa, is a non-profit health system accredited by the Joint Commission. It is guided by its mission to provide exceptional customer service and health improvement, linking the science of medicine with the humanity of compassionate care. For more information about how Mahaska Health Partnership is making healthcare personal, visit www.mahaskahealth.org.
