Public Health

What is Influenza?

Influenza is a contagious respiratory disease that can be prevented by immunization. It is not the same as the "stomach flu." Influenza (the flu) is caused by a virus that attacks the nose, throat, and lungs. It can cause mild to severe illness and at times can lead to death.

On October 18th, the Minnesota Department of Health confirmed the first flu death of the season, an elderly woman from southeastern Minnesota, and noted that this may be a difficult year for the elderly in copying with influenza. It is extremely important for those who care for, live with, or frequently visit the elderly to be vaccinated for influenza as a measure to help protect the elderly.

Each year, circulating strains around the world change just enough that influenza vaccine needs to change. So, it is important to be vaccinated each and every year. Influenza vaccines always contain three strains of antigens that provide protection against the most likely circulating strains. This year, the 2009 A/H1N1, A/H3N2, and a B strain are included in the vaccine.

Everyone older than 6 months of age should get vaccinated for flu this year. Even if you received seasonal flu vaccine last year and/or the H1N1 vaccine, you should still receive seasonal flu vaccine again this year. For more information visit the Minnesota Department of Health website or find a flu shot clinic near you.

Influenza is a serious and unpredictable disease! You may be able to infect others beginning one day before symptoms develop and up to 5-7 days after becoming sick. Influenza symptoms come on quickly in the form of fever, dry cough, sore throat, headache, extreme tiredness, stuffed-up nose, and body aches. These symptoms can be severe and put you in bed for several days. People who become severely ill with influenza-like symptoms should see a physician.

Everyone can do his/her part to avoid spreading influenza. While vaccination is the best way to protect yourself and others, here are other things you can do to protect yourself and others from influenza:

  • Stay healthy – rest, physical activity, healthy eating.
  • Stay home when ill.
  • Cover Your Cough.
  • Wash Your Hands.
  • Clean surfaces you touch frequently.

For more information on influenza, visit the Minnesota Department of Health website.

Public Health Contact:

Sherburne County Govt Center
ATTN: Public Health
13880 Business Center Dr NW
Elk River, MN 55330-1692

Office Location & Hours

Phone: 763-765-4000
800-433-5237
Fax: 763-765-4004

hhs@co.sherburne.mn.us