Three confirmed flu-related deaths in south-central Nebraska



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HOLDREGE, Neb. (KSNB) – Three confirmed influenza-related deaths have been reported this year in Two Rivers District. The district of Two Rivers includes the following counties: Dawson, Buffalo, Gosper, Phelps, Kearney, Harlan and Franklin.

Individuals at particular risk of influenza-related complications are those aged 65 and over, pregnant women, children, Alaska Native people and Native Americans. "The most important thing you can do to protect your loved ones is to stay home when you have the flu and cover up your cough," says Katie Mulligan, health educator.

Symptoms of flu include fever, chills, headaches, muscle aches and a dry cough. "If you have a fever and have other symptoms, stay home at least 24 hours after your fever begins, without taking any fever-reducing medication," says Laura Steele, Assistant Director.

The Department of Health suggests the following tips for preventing the flu:
1. Stay home when you're sick, especially if you have a fever.
2. Get vaccinated every year.
3. Cover your cough
4. Wash your hands frequently with soap.
5. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
6. Adopt other good habits for health, such as sleeping a lot and exercising, manage your stress, drink lots of water and eat nutritious foods.

The Two River Public Health Department and the CDC continue to recommend influenza vaccination to all people six months of age and older. It takes about two weeks to receive immunity to the flu after receiving the vaccine.

For more information on this topic, call the Two Rivers Public Health Department at (888) 669-7154 or visit www.trphd.org.

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