22 N. Georgia Ave.  Suite 300  •  Mason City, IA 50401  •  Phone: 641-421-9300  •  Toll Free: 1-888-264-2581  •  Fax: 641-421-9350

 

 
 Disease Prevention

2010 Flu Season: Check back for announcements about upcoming flu clinics.

 

 

Seasonal Influenza and Pneumonia  

Immunization Clinic Hours

What is Influenza? Seasonal influenza, also called the flu, is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses.

It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. The best way to prevent the flu is by getting a flu vaccination each fall. Every year in the United States, on average:

  •  5-20% of the population gets the flu
  •  More than 200,000 people are hospitalized from flu complications and
  •  About 36,000 people die from flu every year

Some people, such as older people, young children, and people with certain health conditions, are at high risk for serious flu complications.

Symptoms of Flu include:

  •  Fever (usually high)
  •  Headache
  •  Extreme tiredness
  •  Dry cough
  •  Sore throat, runny or stuffy nose
  •  Muscle aches
  •  Stomach symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, also can occur but are more common in children than adults
Seasonal influenza causes an average of 36,000 deaths each year in the United States, mostly among the elderly.
  • Influenza (flu) is a highly infectious disease of the lungs, and it can lead to pneumonia. Each year about 114,000 people in the U.S. are hospitalized and about 36,000 people die because of the flu. Most who die are 65 years and older. But children younger than 2 years old are as likely as those over 65 to have to go to the hospital because of the flu.
  • The influenza virus is spread when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. The virus is then sent into the air allowing other people to inhale it. Unlike many other viral respiratory infections, such as the common cold, the flu can cause severe illness and life-threatening complications in many people.
  • Getting the influenza vaccine is the best way to prevent the flu. It will help in preventing the spread throughout the community.
  • Flu vaccine protects most people from the flu. A person who receives flu vaccine can get the flu but will be far less sick than someone who has flu and has notreceived flu vaccine. Flu vaccine does not protect you from other viruses that sometimes feel like the flu.

Some people develop more serious medical complications, such as pneumonia.

More information:

Flu shot: Vaccine Information Statement (VIS)

Nasal spray: Nasal Mist (Live, Intranasal) Vaccine Information Statement

Influenza Vaccine Fact Sheet

Pneumonia Vaccine Information Statement / CDC

Influenza - Pertussis - the Common Cold: How do you tell the difference?
Review this comparison chart from the Iowa Department of Public Health.     

Cerro Gordo County passed first influenza ordinance - When flu vaccine was in short supply in 2000, Public Health officials knew that something had to be done in order to protect those who were at highest risk of getting influenza. The Cerro Gordo County Department of Public Health adopted the first Influenza Preparedness and Response Ordinance in the state of Iowa.

Check out our flu posters

Read more about influenza:

Influenza prevention

Influenza symptoms

Vaccine prices 

What vaccines do children need?

What vaccines do adults need?

 

 

 


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Tattoo and Body Piercing Safety | Immunization Clinic Hours

Communicable Diseases Summary: A Guide for Schools

If we can assist you in any way, please contact our Disease Prevention staff at (641) 421-9321.
© 2004 • Cerro Gordo County Department of Public Health