New Flu Data Reported by Health Department

ZANESVILLE, Ohio – Colder weather has set in and many area
residents are fighting off influenza. Locally sourced data suggests
that the seasonal illness has arrived earlier than usual this year.
While the flu vaccine is 40 to 60 percent effective at preventing the
flu altogether, it can also make the flu less intense if contracted.
Dr. Jack Butterfield, with the Zanesville Muskingum County Health
Department, says there have been multiple confirmed cases of the flu
locally.

“Data from Genesis
shows that we’ve had—just last week—76 positive tests. The week
prior, we had 20; so it has suddenly taken a spike and it’s a
little earlier than usual. So, it is very important that people get
their flu shot—it is not too late to get the flu shot. It’s
effective within 10 to 14 days and the flu season is at its peak in
January and February. We saw this spike start last week, so we are
ahead of schedule on that.”

Although many
confuse the flu with a stomach virus, medical professionals say there
is a distinct difference between the conditions and a test is
typically needed to determine the presence of the flu.

“Generally,
influenza does not include gastrointestinal symptoms. Occasionally,
it can but most often it does not. So if the presenting symptoms are
vomiting and diarrhea—it generally is not influenza. Influenza is a
fever, dry scratchy sore throat, dry cough, headaches, body aches,
and generally feeling miserable—that’s typical influenza.”

Over 4.5 million
Americans have contracted the flu so far this season. In addition to
receiving the vaccine, influenza can be prevented by washing your
hands often and not exposing others to the illness should it be
contracted.