Influenza (the flu) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and lungs. Flu can be serious. Most people who get flu will just feel sick, but some will experience severe illness, and even death.
Prevent Flu
Get Your Flu Vaccine
Even healthy people can get the flu. The Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and WCHD recommend that everyone 6 months and older get a flu vaccine each year.
Protect yourself and those around you by getting a flu vaccination.
Go to your primary care provider or local pharmacy for your flu vaccine. You can also get a flu vaccine at a WCHD Community Vaccination Clinic:
Click Here for more information.
Wash your hands
Frequently wash your hands with soap and warm water. See the handwashing guide below to learn how to best wash your hands to prevent the spread of germs.
Signs and Symptoms
- fever (usually high; however not everyone with flu will have a fever)
- dry cough
- sore throat
- runny or stuffy nose
- muscle aches
- headache
- extreme tiredness
- Sometimes stomach symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, can occur but are more common in children than adults.
Flu in Winnebago County
Flu is not currently circulating in Winnebago County
Healthcare Professionals
Surveillance Reports
Guidance
Reporting
In Illinois, influenza is reportable in the following way:
- Influenza, deaths in
- Influenza A, variant (Immediate)*
- Influenza, ICU admissions (24h)
- Any unusual cases or cluster of cases that may indicate a public health hazard (immediate)*
In Winnebago County, our healthcare providers are asked to report positive tests for influenza using RedCap or this reporting form.
To report a case to the Winnebago County Health Department, call 815-720-4050 during regular business hours and 815-720-4000 after hours. Click here for the full list of reportable disease and conditions
For More information: visit the CDC or IDPH influenza website: