It can make anyone very sick and can have a serious impact on busy lifestyles, Frohlich said. Typical flu symptoms include fever, dry cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, headache, muscle aches and extreme fatigue in contrast to the stomach flu, a term sometimes used to describe gastrointestinal illnesses like nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Unlike other respiratory illnesses such as the common cold, influenza can cause severe illness and lead to serious and life-threatening complications in all age groups. According to Frohlich, nearly 400 North Dakotans died from complications of influenza and pneumonia during the last flu season. Although the vaccine is especially recommended for people ages 65 and older and people of any age who have a chronic disease, the Department of Health stresses the importance of the vaccine for everyone.
Flu shots are available through private physicians and local public health departments.
For more information, contact Barbara Frohlich, North Dakota Department of Health, at 701.328.2035.