FLU SEASON

Crow Wing County Nurse Joyce Mueller said flu season is not over yet and some new strains have been showing up. The county health nurse said influenza has started to take hold in Minnesota this last week according to reports from the Minnesota Department of Health, from schools and long-term care facilities. Mueller added that even though the new strains are not matched perfectly with existing vaccine, getting a shot will protect against more common strains and help with some symptoms against the newer ones. Symptoms to watch for include fever, nausea, or muscle aches. Flu usually lasts between three and seven days. So far, the county health department has gotten reports of outbreaks only in schools. Flu is worst for the very young, the older among us and those with chronic illness. Mueller suggests if you get the flu, stay home and get well rather than mingle among your co-workers, friends and neighbors. She recommends the vaccine and frequent hand washing as the best ways to prevent the disease. The Crow Wing County Health Department has plenty of vaccine and holds clinics every day from 3-4pm and on Friday also 9-1pm.