County sees first influenza case

The Hill County Health Department just confirmed it’s first case of influenza in the county this year, and are reminding everyone of ways to keep themselves safe.

A release from the department Monday afternoon said the symptoms include fever and/or chills, headache, extreme tiredness and muscle aches, dry cough, sore throat and a runny or stuffy nose.

The release says if anyone has it, or thinks they have it they should stay home, rest and drink plenty of fluids.

Spread of the disease can be prevented by washing hands often, sneezing or coughing into the inside of the elbow or a tissue rather than the hand, avoiding close contact with others and avoiding touching the face, the release says.

Flu season can begin as early as October and end as late as May, the release says, and February and March tend to be the peak.

The release says the department is recommending that everyone that hasn’t already gotten their flu shot get it, adding that anyone can call their physician or the department for an appointment.

“The influenza vaccination is effective within two weeks and could prevent the flu or lessen the severity of the symptoms if you do get it,” the release says.

Officials are recommending they get both the influenza vaccine and get vaccinated or receive a booster for COVID, with the bivalent booster formulated specifically to address the omicron variant now driving the spread of COVID.