We are in the middle of the cold and flu season in Iowa. 

However, the flu and cold oftentimes get mixed up with what people should look for. Greene County Public Health Immunizations Manager Jill Hanson describes the signs and symptoms of the flu and how those compare to the cold.

“The symptoms of the flu can include fever, chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle  or body ache, headache, and fatigue or tiredness. Cold symptoms are usually midler, with similar symptoms (to the flu) but milder. And people with colds are more likely to have a stuffy nose.”

According to the Iowa Department of Public Health, there have been 11 flu-related deaths reported so far this season, as the flu has been upgraded to widespread. Hanson says flu vaccinations are the best protection against the flu, but the vaccine needs up to two weeks to take full effect. The flu shot is available through April from any medical provider, clinic or pharmacy.