According to the North Dakota Department of Health, 55 flu cases were reported as of Tuesday throughout the tri-couonty area of Williams, McKenzie and Divide counties since October. Of those cases, 42 were in Williams, 13 were in McKenzie, and there were no cases in Divide.
Throughout the state, there have been a total of 1,463 confirmed cases since the start of the flu season last fall. This week is also National Influenza Vaccination Week (NIVW), and health officials are urging people to get their flu shots if they haven't done so already. NIVW is aimed at raising awareness about the seriousness of influenza and the importance of vaccination for groups of people at high risk for complications from the flu, their close contacts, and all those who want to be protected against influenza.
Wiliston High School officials reported a high number of student absenteeism due to influenza cases, although an exact count was not available as of Thursday. Williston Middle School has seen only a 3 to 4 percent increase from last year and has not been hit as hard. A school official also said that it is difficult to tell which absences are from the flu and which are a result of other sicknesses.
At Mercy Medical Center, signs are posted letting people know where they can get flu shots and who is at risk, and people are advised not to visit the hospital if they are currently infected with the flu. Lorrie Antos, Department Manager for Med Surg, Extended Care, ICU, and Cardiac Rehab at Mercy Medical Center, said that they have been seeing an increase in both influenza and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). RSV is an upper respiratory disease which has also been on the rise in other areas of the state, and young children under a year old are especially vulnerable.
"RSV is mostly prevalent in younger children but it can target older adults as well," said Antos. As for the flu, Antos said that everyone is at risk. "All parts of the population can get it," she said.
She also stated that it is typical to see an increase in cases around this time of the flu season, but that they are seeing a slight overall increase in comparison to past years.
"There are many different strains of the virus, and the vaccination does not cover every strain," she said.
Generally, Antos said the flu that is going around can come on like a bad cold, and it usually lasts for about a week. Symptoms include a high fever, cough, headache, and can also include nausea and vomiting.
But she says that people can be proactive about preventing the flu. In addition to getting a flu shot, she said it is very important to drink enough liquids, avoid large crowds, use proper cough etiquette and wash your hands regularly. Antos stated that healthcare workers, the elderly and young children in particular should be sure to protect themselves against the flu and RSV. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is also key in preventing both of these.
"If you feel yourself starting to get sick, push fluids, call your physician, and try to maintain a healthy diet and exercise," Antos said.
Michelle Feist, Influenza Surveillance Coordinator for the North Dakota Department of Health, said that it's never too late to get vaccinated.
"There is plenty of the influenza season left because it runs from October through May, so we recommend that people get their shots," she said. "It can take up to two weeks for flu shots to have their full effect, so people should act as soon as possible."
Feist said anyone interested in getting vaccinated can contact their doctor or private healthcare provider, local public health unit, or even certain pharmacies that offer them.
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