DHHS reports high levels of flu across Nebraska

LINCOLN – The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is reporting high levels of flu across the state, which is driving an increase in doctor visits, flu-related hospitalizations and outbreaks in schools and long-term care facilities.

“Flu is taking on a life of its own and we’re seeing surprisingly high numbers of cases for this time of year,” said Dr. Tom Safranek, State Epidemiologist for DHHS. “If you haven’t gotten your flu vaccine yet, there is a sense of urgency so don’t wait any longer.”

Flu vaccine is the best protection against the flu, which can make any of us sick and can be a life threatening illness for some people. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend flu vaccine for everyone 6 months and older every year.

Certain people are at greater risk for serious complications, and it’s extremely important they receive vaccine:            

• Young children

• Adults 65 years of age or older

• Pregnant women

• People with chronic lung disease (like asthma and COPD), diabetes (type 1 and 2), heart disease, neurologic conditions and certain other long-term health conditions

• Residents of nursing homes and other long-term care facilities

Vaccination can reduce flurelated illnesses, visits to the doctor, missed work and school and flu-related hospitalizations. Flu vaccine is safe, effective and rigorously tested. The most common reaction people may experience from a flu shot is soreness and redness at the injection site. After vaccination, it takes about two weeks for the body to build immunity.

People should promptly seek medical care if they have flu-like symptoms.