Wyoming Flu Cases Increasing

A spokeswoman for the Wyoming Department of Health says flu cases have been increasing lately.

Kim Deti says so far this has been a late influenza season in the Cowboy state, so the flu season is likely to get worse before tapering off.

She says that because of the fact that the height of the season hasn't arrived yet, it's not too late to get a flu shot if you haven't already. But she reminds people that it takes roughly two weeks for the shots to take effect, adding people are often exposed to the flu within that window and then blame the vaccine for making them sick.

She says the fact of the matter is that the flu vaccine doesn't cause anyone to get the virus, despite what some people may believe.

For most people influenza is just an unpleasant experience, featuring symptoms that can include extreme tiredness, stuffy nose, muscle aches, a dry cough, sore throat and a headache. But for some people the flu virus can be deadly. During the 2014-2015 season 29 Wyoming residents died from the flu, which is an unusually high number for the state.

Deti says because of the potential danger the virus poses to some people flu victims should stay home and o everything possible to avoid contact with people who aren't already sick.

A visit to the doctor may help, and prescription antiviral medications can often reduce the severity of influenza.

Other than that those with the virus should get lots of rest, drink plenty of fluids and avoid tobacco or alcohol, which can make the flu worse.

Deti says that while over the counter medications can sometimes help, it's important to remember children and teenagers shouldn't be given anything that contains aspirin.