Oswego Avoid the Flu-ewww: Tips, Symptoms and Where to Get Flu Shots

The New Year is off to a rough start as the flu virus continues to spread its way across the United States. In Illinois — Oswego included — as in most parts of the country, flu cases are at an all time high.

This time last year, flu cases were lower in Chicago than they are now, according to data on Google's Flu Trends. 

Overall in Illinois, activity is considered high now, while it was considered moderate at this time in 2011, according to Flu Trends.

The American Lung Association is strongly recommending people protect themselves, making sure to get a flu vaccine and taking preventative actions to stop the spread of germs. It is also recommending that those who get severely ill, particularly those who are part of high-risk groups, promptly seek antiviral treatments.

“We can’t emphasize enough how important it is and how easy it is to provide your family with as much protection as possible by getting vaccinated against the flu,” said Harold Wimmer, President and CEO of the American Lung Association in Illinois in a news release. “Immunization is especially important for those at higher risk – young children, pregnant women, those who are 50 years of age or older, people with certain chronic medical conditions including asthma, COPD and heart disease and healthcare workers and caregivers who are in close contact with those at high risk.”

The American Lung Association also encourages everyone to take preventive action to help prevent the spread of the disease, including:

• Cover nose and mouth with tissue when sneezing or coughing and throw away the tissue after use.
• Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth, where germs spread easily.
• Wash hands often with soap and water.
• If you’re feeling sick, stay home from work, school and public places, so you don’t infect others.

Influenza, better known as the flu, is a highly contagious upper respiratory illness that can include some or all of the following symptoms: fever, cough, sore throat, nasal congestion, body aches, headache, chills, fatigue, diarrhea and vomiting.

Most people who contract the flu experience mild cases, but if symptoms seem severe or if you are a member of a high-risk group, the American Lung Association suggests visiting a health care provider to determine whether flu treatment is needed.

The following are warning signs that influenza has worsened and medical attention is needed.

In children:

• Fast breathing or trouble breathing
• Bluish skin color
• Not drinking enough fluids
• Not waking up or not interacting
• Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
• Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
• Fever with a rash

In addition to the signs above, get medical help right away for any infant who has any of these signs:

• Being unable to eat
• Has trouble breathing
• Has no tears when crying
• Significantly fewer wet diapers than normal

 In adults:

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
• Sudden dizziness
• Confusion
• Severe or persistent vomiting
• Flu-like symptoms that improve but then return with fever and worse cough

Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases (NCIRD)

To find where to get a flu shot in and around Oswego check out:

• Meijer: Get a flu shot at the Oswego Meijer, 2700 Route 34, for $24.99 (most insurance accepted). Vaccinations are available at Meijer to people ages 14 and older. Download a vaccination consent form here, and click here to download a physician notification form.
• Walgreens: Flu vaccinations are available at Walgreens Take Care Clinics, 410 Chicago Road. Walk in anytime or schedule an appointment by clicking here. Most insurance accepted.
• Jewel-Osco: Jewel-Osco, 2530 US Route 30, offers vaccinations for $29.99 ($59.99 for high-dose flu shots) and accepts most insurance, including Medicare. High dose, nasal spray and preservative-free formulations are available, along with the traditional seasonal vaccine. Click here to make an appointment.
• Target: The Target Pharmacy, 3020 Route 34, offers a Flu Shot for $28,  a High-Dose Flu Shot for $45 and an Intradermal Flu Shot for $28. Most insurance is accepted.
• Dominick's: The Dominick's Pharmacy at 3010 W. Route 34 offers  a Flu Shot, Flu Nasal Spray, High-Dose Flu Shot, and Intradermal Flu Shot. Most insurance is accepted.
• Wal-Mart: The Wal-Mart Supercenter offers Flu shots for $25. Most insurance, including Medicare, is accepted. 

Find out more about influenza at www.facesofinfluenza.org or call the American Lung Association Lung HelpLine at 1-800-LUNG-USA to find out where you can get immunized against the flu.