The season for influenza is just beginning on the North Olympic Peninsula, and public health officials are asking people to protect themselves and others against the illness through vaccinations and other precautions.
Unlike the common cold, influenza has a swift onset of severe symptoms beginning with two to seven days of fever, headache, muscle aches, extreme fatigue, runny nose and sore throat, and a cough that is often severe and may last seven days or more, according to Lisa McKenzie, communicable disease program coordinator for Jefferson County Public Health.
The illness is highly contagious, and pneumonia is the most common complication among high-risk groups.
Influenza is especially dangerous for young children and the elderly.
Many pharmacies, grocery stores, doctors’ offices and public health clinics in Clallam and Jefferson counties are offering flu shots. For more information, people should contact their health care providers or their county health departments.
Public health officials recommend taking the following steps to protect against the flu:
* Clean hands often with soap and water or with an alcohol-based hand cleaner;
* Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth;
* Avoid close contact with people who are sick, if possible;
* Get vaccinated for flu as recommended for your age and health conditions.
To stop the spread of germs if you are sick:
* Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue every time you cough or sneeze, and throw the used tissue in a wastebasket. If you don’t have a tissue, sneeze or cough into your sleeve, not into your hands;
* After coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose, always clean your hands with soap and water or with an alcohol-based hand cleaner;
* Stay home;
* Do not share eating utensils, drinking glasses, towels or other personal items.