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Influenza

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.

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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 for your flu vaccine. You can also get a flu vaccine using the resources below:

Flu Vaccine Finder

Can't make it to your primary care provider? Use the Flu Vaccine Finder to find clinics and pharmacies near you offering flu vaccine.

 
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2020 WCHD Curbside Flu Vaccine

Provides influenza vaccine to Winnebago County residents.

WCHD Curbside Flu Vaccine Handout Page 1 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

People who have flu often feel some or all of these 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: