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    Influenza​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

    Updated: ​January 19, 2024

    Weekly Influenza and Other Respiratory Disease Surveillance Report​

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    This video by DHHS's respiratory disease team gives an overview of Nebraska's influenza, RSV, and COVID-19 surveillance programs. In this presentation, you will learn about the various surveillance systems used for each virus, as well as what data is captured from each system. Various resources are also included to provide additional information about influenza, RSV, and COVID-19.
    ​​2023-2024 Nebraska Influenza and other Respiratory Disease Surveillance Presentation


    Influenza (flu) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness, including hospitalization and death. Serious flu infections can result in hospitalization or death.

    Some people, such as older people, young children, and people with certain health conditions, are at high risk for serious flu complications. The best way to prevent the flu is by getting vaccinated each year. 

    Not only does the spread of influenza take its toll on health, but also has a significant economic toll. The most recent US economic costs measured for seasonal influenza is​ $11.2 billion in total direct and indirect costs​.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What is influenza?

    Flu, also known as the influenza, is a contagious disease that is caused by the influenza virus. The influenza virus enters through the respiratory tract in humans (nose, throat, and lungs). The flu is different from a cold. Flu usually comes on suddenly and may include these symptoms:

    • Fever
    • Headache
    • Tiredness (can be extreme)
    • Dry cough
    • Sore throat
    • Nasal congestion
    • Body aches

    These symptoms are usually referred to as "flu-like symptoms." Please also see Influenza vs. Colds vs. Pertussis for more information.

    Who is most at risk for getting very sick from flu?

    Anyone can get the flu, even healthy people, and serious problems from the flu can happen at any age. Most people who get flu will recover in one to two weeks, but some people will develop life-threatening complications as a result of the flu.

    People 65 years and older, people of any age with chronic medical conditions, and very young children are more likely to get complications from the flu. Complications for the flu can be sinus and ear infections, bronchitis, pneumonia, hospitalization and death, especially in high-risk groups. The flu can make chronic health problems worse.

    High-risk groups are at increased risk for severe flu complications:

    • Young children (2 – 5)
    • Adults older than 65
    • Pregnant women
    • High-risk conditions
      • Asthma
      • History of heart disease and stroke
      • Diabetes
      • HIV/AIDS
      • Cancer
      • Chronic kidney disease
      • People with muscle and lung function disabilities
    • Racial and ethnic minorities
      • Non-Hispanic Black
      • Non-Hispanic American Indian or Alaska Native
      • Hispanic or Latinos

    Is the flu contagious?

    Yes. Everyone 6 months and older should get flu vaccine every year. Getting a flu vaccine helps protect you from getting the flu and prevents you from passing it to people who could get very sick. 

    How long is a person with a flu virus contagious?

    Flu can be spread without any known symptoms, but people infected with the influenza virus are the most contagious 3 to 4 days after symptoms appear. Like COVID-19, healthy adults can spread influenza at least 1 day before symptoms appear and 5 – 7 days after flu symptoms. In fact, people with weakened immune systems and young children may spread the flu beyond the 5 – 7 days showing symptoms.

    How do I know if I have the flu?

    Your respiratory illness might be the flu if you have sudden onset of body aches, fever, respiratory symptoms, and your illness occurs during November through April (the usual flu season in the Northern Hemisphere). It is impossible to tell for sure if you have the flu based on symptoms alone, so it is very important to go and get tested by a doctor within the first few days of your illness because other respiratory illnesses can cause similar symptoms as the flu. The flu is most common between November through April but can be caught at any time of the year."

    What should I do if I get the flu?

    • Stay home and isolate​ if you are sick, especially if you have a fever
    • Don't go out and isolate
    • Rest
    • Drink plenty of liquids
    • Avoid using alcohol and tobacco
    • Take medication to relieve the symptoms of flu

    People in high-risk groups with flu-like symptoms should seek medical help to prevent flu complications. 

    Flu is caused by a virus, so antibiotics (like penicillin) don't work to cure it. The best way to prevent the flu is to get a flu vaccine (flu shot) each fall, before flu season. Never give aspirin to children or teenagers who have flu-like symptoms – and particularly fever – without first speaking to your doctor. Giving aspirin to children and teenagers who have the flu can cause a rare but serious illness called Reye syndrome. Children or teenagers with the flu should get plenty of rest, drink lots of liquids, and take medicines that contain no aspirin to relieve symptoms.

    What is the "Stomach Flu"?

    Many people use the term "stomach flu" to describe illnesses with nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. These symptoms can be caused by many different viruses, bacteria, or even parasites. While vomiting, diarrhea, and being nauseous or "sick to your stomach" can sometimes be related to the flu – particularly in children – these problems are rarely the main symptoms of flu. The flu is a respiratory disease and not a stomach or intestinal disease.


    Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)

    Updated: May 16, 2023


    RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus)​


    ​Office of Epidemiology
    Division of Public Health / Department of Health & Human Services
    Phone Number
    (402) 471-2937
    Fax Number
    (402) 471-3601
    Mailing Address
    P.O. Box 95026, Lincoln, Nebraska 68509-5026




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