With increasing incidence of colds and flu, it’s good to know what resources are available to keep you and your family well—and to prevent the spread of flu illness. Even though we’re in the midst of the flu season, it’s not too late to get vaccinated. To schedule a nurse appointment to get a flu shot, call Riverwood’s clinic line at 218-927-2157 or toll-free at 888-270-1882. How long does the flu last? Children and adults with viral infections recover when the illness has run its course. Colds caused by viruses may last for two weeks or longer. Measures that can help a person with a cold or flu feel better:
- Increase fluid intake
- Use a cool mist vaporizer or saline nasal spray to relieve congestion
- Soothe throat with ice chips, sore throat spray, or lozenges (for older children and adults)
For more detailed information on how the flu can be treated, see our Cold and Flu fact sheet.
Stomach flu hitting hard too
In addition to respiratory illness, the Minnesota Department of Health is reporting a high incidence of norovirus or “stomach flu” among Minnesotans. Thorough handwashing and careful food preparation are keys to prevention. To learn more, see Norovirus hitting hard this season in Minnesota, with numerous outbreaks reported