Public health watching flu activity

GCHD is reporting an influenza outbreak in an assisted living facility, increase of influenza in school-aged children and children under the age of five.

The Grant County Health District has issued an advisory to the Grant County healthcare community and media: increased influenza activity in Grant County. Be aware of increasing influenza and influenza-like illness, (ILI) in Grant County and Washington state.

GCHD is monitoring an influenza outbreak among residents in an assisted living facility. GCHD has provided outbreak mitigation recommendations to staff.

The district’s communicable disease investigators are reporting an increased number of influenza cases among school-aged children, as well as children under the age of 5.

They’ve asked healthcare providers to increase their vigilance to influenza by considering testing and maintaining a high level of clinical suspicion. Anti-viral therapy should be considered as appropriate for individual situations.

GCHD urges all residents 6 months and older to get their flu shot as soon as possible. People who have not been vaccinated against the flu still have time to get the vaccine before the season is over. The influenza vaccine is the best measure to prevent flu and complications, especially for children, older people, and people with chronic health conditions.

People with the flu are the most contagious in the first three to four days after their illness begins. Healthy adults can make others sick one day before symptoms appear and up to five days after symptoms begin.

Are you at increased risk?

Flu can make existing health conditions worse and can lead to hospitalization and death.

• People with asthma, diabetes, chronic lung disease, heart disease, and people over 65 years old are among those who are at a higher risk for developing flu-related complications. 

• Infants are at an increased risk for flu; caregivers who are sick should wear a mask when caring for an infant.

• Pregnant women are at serious risk of flu complications. The flu shot is safe and recommended at any stage of pregnancy. When expectant moms get a flu shot it protects the baby inside too — for up to six months after birth. Get a flu shot to protect you and your growing family.

Prevent the spread of influenza

People with flu-like illness should isolate until better or at least 24 hours after fever is gone. They should wear a well-fitted mask if around others. If tested, both COVID-19 and influenza tests should be considered. Use a tissue to cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing and throw it away. It is very important to wash your hands often.

Alcohol-based hand sanitizers work well when soap and warm water are not available. Limiting visitations and wearing facemasks during the outbreak will also help prevent the spread within your facilities. Exclude ill staff and visitors from the facility during an outbreak.

 If you or a family member are sick with a flu–like sickness, stay home from school or work for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone, (without the use of a fever-reducing medicine), unless you need to leave to receive medical care. If your doctor prescribes antiviral medicine, finish the entire prescription.

There are flu vaccines available in various locations, including health care provider offices and pharmacies. People can also find a clinic by calling the Family Health Hotline at 1-800-322-2588 or GCHD at 509-766-7960.