Flu season arrives in Grant County

MOSES LAKE — Flu season has arrived in Grant County with at least one long term care facility reporting an increased number of cases.

“It’s still not too late to get this year’s flu shot,” said Heather Massart, public information officer for the Grant County Health District. “Everyone six months or older should get a flu shot.”

Only the flu shot is recommended this season, Massart added, as the Centers for Disease Control does not recommend the mist nasal spray this year as studies have found is not as effective as shots.

Flu shots are available through primary care physicians or at most pharmacies, such as Rite Aid, Walgreens, or Safeway, Massart said, with most insurance plans covering them.

Massart didn’t give an exact number for the influenza cases the health district has seen in the last week or so, but noted that one long term care facility has noted an increase in cases, prompting the health district to advise all long term care facilities — like nursing homes and assisted living centers — to take measures to control the spread of the illness.

“When flu season is officially declared, health care centers have protocols,” Massart explained. “Everyone is vaccinated, and health care workers wear masks around anyone with influenza-like symptoms, and signs go up saying there are sick people on the premises.”

According to the health district, those most at risk of suffering from severe flu are people with asthma, diabetes, chronic lung disease, heart disease, pregnant women, the very young and the elderly.

The health district also recommends some very basic procedures to keep from spreading the flu if you are sick: covering your nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing, washing your hands frequently, and using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water aren’t available.

Staying home from work or school if you are sick with flu-like symptoms “for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone” is also important, according to a health district news release.

Charles H. Featherstone can be reached via email at countygvt@columbiabasinherald.com.