For the first time this season, the Warren County Health Department saw an increase in reported cases of influenza.The number of cases this year, however, is dramatically lower than last year.“This time last year we had 350 reported cases. Right now we’re at 28,” said LuAnn Bumgarner, RN, public health nurse for the Warren County Health Department.In the last two weeks the number of cases jumped from eight to 28 cases, she said.The uptick is consistent with numbers across the country. Most of the country entered widespread activity the week ending Jan. 26.On average influenza peaks at the end of February.“It’s not too late to get a flu shot,” Bumgarner said. “Continue to be vigilant. Always wash your hands, cover your cough, avoid touching your mouth, nose and eyes. If you’re sick, stay at home.”The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports the vaccination is safe and effective, but it does list possible side effects, including cold-like symptoms as the body builds up its immunity. It takes about two weeks for the vaccine to reach its full potential, during which time people may be exposed to the virus.Despite the possible side effects or shortcomings, health care professionals believe the benefits outweigh the costs.“People die every year from influenza, which is a vaccination preventable disease,” Bumgarner said.So far during the 2018-2019 season 11 children in the United States have died from influenza. The number of adult deaths is unclear. Adult deaths from influenza are not tracked as closely as pediatric deaths. The CDC estimates that since 2010 influenza-associated deaths in the United States ranged from 12,000 during the 2011-2012 season to 79,000 during last year’s flu season.The influenza virus is passed along when droplets from a contagious person, with or without symptoms, make contact with another person. They mostly are breathed in, or touched and transferred through the nose, eyes or mouth.Bumgarner said influenza can cause mild to severe illness. Symptoms may include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills, fatigue and sometimes diarrhea and vomiting.Symptoms usually come on suddenly one to four days after contact with the virus.While people with mild symptoms tend to tough it out at home, “If you do go to the doctor in the first two days, you can receive an anti-viral that can lessen the severity of influenza,” said BumgarnerThe medical community says everyone should get vaccinated, and especially children 2-5 years old, pregnant women, adults over 65 and anyone with a chronic illness or suppressed immune system.The recommendation is related to herd immunity, or community immunity. In practice, the more people in a community who are vaccinated, the less likely an outbreak will happen.“Let’s say you have five people in a family. Four get vaccinated. They are protecting that fifth person (who’s not vaccinated),” said Bumgarner. “In a community, when fewer people get immunized, the herd immunity effect is lessened.”People with the flu should isolate themselves for about 24 hours after a fever has passed without the help of medicines. If they need to get out while they’re sick, they should wear a surgical mask to protect anyone they come in contact with.Flu Shot