Black Hawk County Public Health

Respiratory Illnesses

The Disease Surveillance and Investigation unit tracks respiratory illnesses in Black Hawk County. We use resources like the state influenza reports to understand illness trends for the flu and other respiratory diseases.

‍Influenza(Flu)

What is the Flu?

The flu, also known as influenza, is a contagious respiratory illness caused by a virus. It spreads easily through coughing, sneezing, or touching infected surfaces. More information about the flu is located on the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services website.

Common Symptoms

Common symptoms of viral respiratory diseases include:

• Fever or feeling feverish
• Chills
• Headache
• Body or muscle aches
• Tiredness
• Loss of appetite
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose

See a doctor if you think you have the flu, especially if you're at high risk for complications like young children, older adults, or those with weak immune systems. The flu can lead to serious problems, such as pneumonia, so it's important to take steps to prevent getting and spreading the flu.

Preventing the Spread of Flu

• Get a flu shot: The best way to prevent the flu is to get a flu shot every year. Flu shots are safe and effective, and they help protect you and those around you.
• Wash your hands frequently: Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after being in a public place, after blowing your nose, and before eating.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick: If you're around someone who is sick, try to keep a distance of at least 6feet. This can help reduce the risk of getting the flu from droplets produced when a sick person talks, coughs, or sneezes.
• Cover your mouth and nose: Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. If you don't have at issue, cough or sneeze into your elbow.
• Stay home when you're sick: If you have the flu, stay home and avoid contact with others to prevent spreading the virus.

COVID-19

Black Hawk County Public Health continues to work with local health and community partners to respond to COVID-19 and is monitoring changes related to the end of the national emergency and public health emergency declarations that have been in place since early 2020. See below for links to testing, vaccination, and other CDC resources.

To best protect yourself and others:

• Get vaccinated.
• Stay up to date with boosters.
• Test for COVID-19 if you are sick or have been exposed to the virus.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Wear a high-quality mask when you are sick and/or community levels are high.

Other Respiratory Illnesses

Viral respiratory diseases are sicknesses caused by viruses that affect your breathing. They have similar symptoms to the flu and can be caused by viruses like respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), rhinoviruses, parainfluenza viruses, or respiratory adenoviruses.

Common Symptoms

Common symptoms of viral respiratory diseases include:

• Fever or feeling feverish
• Chills
• Headache
• Body or muscle aches
• Tiredness
• Loss of appetite
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose

Other respiratory illnesses, such as RSV, parainfluenza, and adenoviruses, can also cause symptoms similar to the flu and can lead to complications such as tonsillitis, laryngitis, bronchitis, and pneumonia.

RSV is the most common cause of respiratory tract illness in children under 2 years of age. Para influenza viruses are the major cause of croup in young children and can cause bronchitis, pneumonia, and bronchiolitis.

Adenoviruses invade primarily the respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts, and the conjunctiva of the eyes. The adenoviruses can cause a variety of illnesses from pharyngitis to pneumonia, conjunctivitis, and diarrhea.

Treatment

Infection without complications will usually subside in 2-5days. However, it's important to see a doctor if you’re at high risk for complications, such as young children, older adults, or people with weakened immune systems. Bacterial complications such as otitis media, pneumonia, and sinusitis may require antibiotics.