Public HealthBoard Of HealthPublic Health Advisory CouncilAbout Public Health
OverviewAdvisory councilsBoard of HealthDepartment leadershipPublic Health ProcurementStrategic plan
Assessments, Data and Reports
OverviewData Sheets and Reports
Certificates and Health Records
Birth and Death CertificatesImmunization and Medical RecordsPrivacy Practices
Child and Family Health
OverviewChildren w/ Special Health Care NeedsNurse-Family Partnership - Helping First-Time Parents SucceedFirst Steps Maternity Support and Infant Case Management ServicesSafe KidsDental health servicesPreventing Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)FAQs for Child & Family Health
Chronic Disease Prevention
Healthy LivingHealthy CommunitiesLiving Smoke Free
Emergency Preparedness
OverviewCounty Emergency Response PlansEmergency response volunteersGet Yourself ReadyHelp your Community Get ReadyPush Partner RegistryFAQ's
Environmental Public Health
Drinking Water and WellsFood Service, Food SafetyIndoor Air Quality: Ventilation and RadonMosquito Control DistrictOnline PermittingOn-Site Septic SystemPools and BeachesRestaurant InspectionsSchool Health and SafetySolid and Hazardous Waste
Garbage, Recycling & Hazardous Waste
Solid Waste & Environmental OutreachRecycling, Garbage & Yard Debris CollectionSelf-Haul OptionsConstruction & Demolition DebrisHazardous Waste DisposalWhat Happens to My Garbage & RecyclingUnwanted MedicationsRecycling A to ZWhat Plastic Products Can I Recycle?Home, Yard & GardenSolid Waste Operations & Management
Green Programs
Green NeighborsGreen Schools
Health Care and Insurance
Low and No-Cost Health CareAdults 65 PlusAdults and ChildrenPrescription Discount Card
Immunization
For PublicFor Providers
Infectious Diseases
OverviewAnimal bites & rabiesFlu (Influenza)Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD)Syringe ExchangeResources for Providers
Provider advisoriesNewsContactPublic Health Index

Flu

Surveillance

 

The Flu I.Q. widget is an interactive quiz to test your flu knowledge.

What is seasonal influenza (flu)?

The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. They can cause  mild to severe illness and, at times, can lead to death. Some people, such as older people, young children, pregnant women and people with certain health conditions, are at high risk for serious flu complications. Complications include bacterial pneumonia, ear infections, sinus infections, dehydration and worsening of chronic medical conditions, such as congestive heart failure, asthma or diabetes.

How is flu spread?

Flu viruses spread mainly by droplets made when infected people cough, sneeze or talk and droplets are breathed into the mouths or noses of people nearby. A person also might get flu by touching a surface or object that has flu virus on it and then touching his or her own mouth, eyes or nose. You can pass on the flu to someone else before you even know you are sick.

What are the symptoms of flu?

People who have the flu often feel some or all of these symptoms:

  • Fever or having chills
  • Cough
  • Sore throat
  • Muscle or body aches
  • Headaches
  • Runny or stuffy nose
  • Extreme tiredness
  • Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children

How can I prevent the flu?

Stop the spread of germs!

Remember to follow everyday practices (and teach them to your family members) that prevent the spread of germs causing seasonal flu and other illnesses.

  • Wash hands often for at least 20 seconds with soap and warm water.
  • Always cover coughs and sneezes with inside of elbow or tissue.
  • Stay home when sick!

Get vaccinated

The best way to prevent the flu is to get vaccinated each fall. All people six months of age and older should get flu vaccine. Seasonal influenza vaccine can be administered by your healthcare provider or a local pharmacy.  It takes up to 2 weeks for protection to develop after the shot; protection lasts about a year.

  • Flu Shot - Inactivated or Recombinant VIS 

 

 

For Healthcare Providers:

Which cases of influenza need to be reported to Public Health?

  • Laboratory-confirmed influenza deaths in persons of all ages.
  • Suspected and laboratory-confirmed infections due to a novel influenza virus, including avian influenza A (H5N1) virus. (Note that 2009 H1N1 is no longer a novel virus).
  • Outbreaks of influenza-like illness or laboratory-confirmed influenza in an institutional setting (e.g., long-term care facility).

Can I send specimens to WA Public Health Laboratories for testing? 

Yes, but all specimens for submission must be approved through Clark County Public Health prior to submission. Call 564.397.8182 to get permission for submission.

For more information on influenza virus testing available through the WA Public Health Lab, types of specimens that will be accepted and specimen collection instructions see: WA PHL info sheet.

Other Resources:

 

 

 

 

© 2018 Clark County Washington