High Influenza Levels for 2015 Published March 17, 2015 By Capt. Landrus Burress 5th Medical Operations Squadron MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- Nationwide, the U.S. is experiencing high flu activity, including the state of North Dakota. In particular, Ward County has seen an increase in flu activity compared to the previous year. The North Dakota Health Department has reported more than 385 cases of influenza this season. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention characterize the flu as widespread in the U.S. and a nasty strain of the virus has rendered this year's vaccine less effective. The most common strain this year is the Influenza A (H3N2) and has been more severe than previous strains. Two-thirds of the flu cases this season in the U.S. are linked to the latter strain, according to the CDC. Have you received the flu vaccine? If you have not been vaccinated this flu season it's not too late to do so. Flu symptoms include: · A 100 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, not everyone with the flu has a fever · Cough and/or sore throat · Runny and/or stuffy nose · Headaches and/or body aches · Chills · Fatigue · Nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhea Additional steps to prevent getting the flu are: get vaccinated, wash hands, avoid touching your face, avoid close contact with sick people, cover your nose/mouth when sneezing or coughing, and if you are sick stay at home and contact your healthcare provider. It is important to take these steps to prevent yourself from getting the flu. This also protects others around you that may be more vulnerable to the flu. Those at a greater risk of getting seriously ill from the flu are: older adults, people with chronic health conditions and especially infants. To keep our patients and staff safe, Minot Public Health Office is asking anyone who has flu-like symptoms, including cough, fever, runny nose or body aches to see their healthcare provider and avoid contact with others. The CDC says flu activity most commonly peaks in the U.S. between December and February. But health experts say this influenza A virus is particularly pernicious because this year's vaccine is only 23 percent effective. It's still better to get the vaccine because some protection is better than nothing at all. A vaccine now could protect someone who gets the flu from developing more severe symptoms. For more information regarding influenza, please visit www.cdc.gov/influenza or www.flu.gov. Follow the 5th Medical Group on Facebook for up to date information on events, closures and healthy living tips.