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Flu feared in area
Staff Writer Influenza has always been a potentially fatal illness, but with three children in Minnesota and 10 other children nationwide now dead as a result of contracting the flu, it may have many Brainerd lakes area parents and health care providers worried.
"We're very concerned about that," Joyce Mueller, public health nurse manager at Crow Wing County Health Department, said of more children dying because of the flu.
Mueller said the influenza in Crow Wing County is widespread right now and typically February is the peak of flu season. The good news, she said, is that the two strains of influenza circulating right now are the same strains that people may become vaccinated against by getting a flu shot. It's not too late to get a flu shot, she said.
According to the Minnesota Department of Health Web site, influenza symptoms may come quickly in the form of a fever, dry cough, sore throat, headache, nasal congestion, body aches and extreme fatigue.
Parents who think their children have the flu should keep their children home from school or day care and encourage others who are sick to stay home to stop the spread of the flu. Anyone with the flu should rest and drink lots of fluids.
Parents should take their sick child to the doctor or emergency room, according to the state Department of Health, if he or she:
¥ Breathes rapidly or with difficulty.
¥ Has a bluish skin color.
¥ Does not drink enough and becomes dehydrated.
¥ Does not wake up or interact with others.
¥ Is so irritable that he or she doesn't want to be held.
¥ Gets better only to become sick again with a fever and a more severe cough.
Crow Wing County Health Department offers "Flu Fridays," a walk-in public flu clinic. The clinic is open from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. every Friday and from 3-4 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, except holidays.
The influenza vaccination is available for anyone 6 months of age and older.
Cost is $20 per shot or the health department will bill Medicare Part B, Medical Assistance and MinnesotaCare. Patients must bring their cards. There are some $5 vaccines available through the Minnesota Vaccines for Children Program for children 6 months through 18 years who meet eligibility guidelines.
For more information, contact Margie at 824-1098.
JODIE TWEED can be reached at jodie.tweed@brainerddispatch.com or 855-5858.
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