MARSHALL — While Marshall is not in an influenza epidemic, the flu season is at its peak, Avera’s family nurse practitioner JoAnn Williams Ruppert and employee health infection prevention nurse Amy Otten said Wednesday.

“We’re not currently in an epidemic according to the Minnesota Department of Health, but the flu is widespread throughout the state,” Otten said.

“We’re not one of the four states that are in epidemic status, but we do average three to four cases per day,” Williams Ruppert said.

With everyone at work or school coughing and sneezing, people wonder what they should do to avoid catching the flu. Williams Ruppert and Otten have the answers.

Both health care providers recommend getting the flu vaccine as the first measure of defense to ward off the virus. The vaccine is offered both at Avera Health Marshall and at Hy-Vee. Williams Ruppert works at Hy-Vee to provide testing for the flu as well as at Avera Health Marshall.

Pharmacists can administer the vaccine, she said, and doctor’s notes are available for those whose employer or school require them.

“We give vaccines for the four main strains,” Otten said. “There are two Influenza A strains and two Influenza B strains. There are also several different sub groups for each strain which make it difficult for the vaccine to be 100 percent effective.”

However, she said, getting vaccinated will help reduce the length and severity of the flu should you come down with it after being vaccinated.

“Vaccines can take up to two weeks to become effective,” Otten said. “So if you’re vaccinated today and exposed tomorrow, you could still get sick.” But not so severely.

Both health care providers explained the difference between the cold and the flu.

“A cold is usually just in the nose, throat and lungs, whereas influenza symptoms include fever, dry cough, sore throat, body aches and fatigue that will stop your daily activities,” Williams Ruppert said.

If severe enough, both diseases can require antiviral medication for treatment, she said.

“Cold, dry air seems to promote the transmission of influenza,” Otten said. “That could be why outbreaks of influenza occur in the winter.”

People are contagious for a day before they show symptoms and until five to 10 days after the illness begins, Williams Ruppert said.

With young children, the span is greater, from several days before symptoms until 10 days after they start they can be contagious, she said,

“That’s why day cares and schools are devastated when the flu hits,” she said.

Both health care providers strongly recommend vaccinating everyone from 6 months old and older, and those 2 years old and younger need two doses four weeks apart, Ruppert Williams said.

Vaccinations are normally covered 100 percent by insurance, she said.

Contrary to a popular myth, Williams Ruppert said, you cannot get the flu from the flu vaccine. Also, patients with egg allergies can still get vaccinated as there is an egg-free version, Otten said.

There are a few other tips, in addition to getting vaccinated, that will help you prevent catching the flu this winter:

“Avoid sick people,” Williams Ruppert said. “Germs can be airborne up to six feet. If you sneeze or cough, cover your mouth. Wash your hands regularly and/or use hand sanitizer. If you go to the doctor because you feel like you have the flu, put on a mask while there.”

“If you’re sick, stay home.” Otten said, “Do not visit people in the hospital or nursing homes. Have someone else do your shopping.”

“Protect infants from those who have the flu, don’t share straws or drinking glasses,” Williams Ruppert said. “Drink lots of fluids, get plenty of rest and clean and disinfect commonly touched surfaces often.”

Williams Ruppert said that she was able to find these facts on the Minnesota Department of Health website where the public can also find them.

Flu shots are also offered at Affiliated Community Medical Center and pharmacies such as Guidepoint Pharmacy, Shopko Pharmacy and Thrifty White Pharmacy.