We have arrived at the time of year where more people are getting sick and it can be difficult to determine what level of illness someone may have.

Greene County Public Health Director Shelby Cooklin says the common cold is a frequent illness in the winter time and it generally comes on gradually and has milder symptoms such as a runny nose, congestion, sneezing and a sore throat. As for influenza, Cooklin notes that the illness typically comes on suddenly and can have much more intense symptoms, including a fever, body aches, fatigue, chills and a dry cough. 

Cooklin encourages anyone who is six months or older to get a flu shot, if they haven’t done so already. 

“People who are vaccinated tend to have much milder symptoms if they do get sick. That’s why we continue to recommend the flu shot. It’s one of the best tools we have to reduce severe illness, protect vulnerable individuals, and keep our community healthier overall.”      

Cooklin states that people who may have had a flu shot already and still fell ill to the flu, with aggressive symptoms, might have been exposed to influenza before full immunity is achieved in two weeks, or they contracted a different strain than what the shot includes. She says the flu shot is still recommended and helps with herd immunity as well. 

To schedule an appointment for a flu shot with Greene County Public Health, call 515-386-3228.