ILLNESS OUTBREAK: Influenza spreading ‘rapidly’ in Abilene

Health officials say that influenza is spreading rapidly in the area, with 14.5% of all patients who visited health providers from February 2 to February 8 presenting influenza-like illness.

The Center for Disease Control says the following symptoms are associated with flu activity:

• fever* or feeling feverish/chills
• cough
• sore throat
• runny or stuffy nose
• muscle or body aches
• headaches
• fatigue (tiredness)
• some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults.

Vaccination and basic hygiene practices are the best methods for preventing the flu! Read more here about best practices from the CDC.