Influenza Cases on the Rise in Walla Walla County

WALLA WALLA COUNTY – The Walla Walla County Dept. of Community Health has reported that one death has been attributed to influenza in a person over age 65 and 11 influenza patients are currently hospitalized in Walla Walla. The number of influenza cases continues to rise in the county.

Individuals most at risk are the elderly, the very young, pregnant women, and those with certain health conditions. The health dept. says it is not too late to be immunized against influenza. There is a high dose vaccine available for older adults and a four-valent vaccine available upon request. The nasal vaccine is not recommended or available this year, according to the health dept.

Influenza normally starts with a sudden onset of body and muscle aches and fever, followed by a dry cough, sore throat, occasionally vomiting and diarrhea and normally lasts for five to seven days. Frequent handwashing, covering your cough, and staying home when ill are the best ways to protect yourself from illness, aside from vaccination.

Influenza is treatable, especially if treated within 48 hours of the start of body aches and fever. The treatments will make lessen symptoms and may shorten the disease by a day or more. If you believe you have influenza, contact your healthcare provider and ask what steps you should take.