OMAHA, Neb. (KMTV) — If you haven't received your flu shot yet, it might be a good idea to get one. According to the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), high levels of the flu are being reported across the state.
“Flu is taking on a life of its own and we’re seeing surprisingly high numbers of cases for this time of year,” said Dr. Tom Safranek, State Epidemiologist for DHHS. “If you haven’t gotten your flu vaccine yet, there is a sense of urgency so don’t wait any longer.”
The DDHS says the following people are at a higher risk of suffering from complications related to the flu:
- Young children
- Adults 65 years of age or older
- Pregnant women
- People with chronic lung disease (like asthma and COPD), diabetes (type 1 and 2), heart disease, neurologic conditions and certain other long-term health conditions
- Residents of nursing homes and other long-term care facilities
Signs that you may be infected include:
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Muscle or body aches
- Headaches
- Tiredness
- Some people may have vomiting or diarrhea. This is more common in children than adults.
Tips to avoid getting the flu:
- Wash your hands often
- Avoid contact with people who are sick
- Stay home from school, work, family gatherings and social functions if you’re sick
- Cover your mouth and nose when you cough with a tissue or sleeve, not your hands
- Eat healthy and get plenty of rest
- Don’t smoke
DDHS began tracking the flu in October.
