Bismarck  (CSi)  Sixty-two cases of the flu in Stutsman County were reported to the North Dakota Department of Health for the week of February 18th, with numbers expected to rise.

JRMC, RN, Nikki Mack says, “We are seeing an increase of patients in the emergency department with flu- like symptoms.  That means the virus is active and in the community.”

Mack adds that although the flu is active in the community, there are steps you can take to prevent catching and spreading the virus.

Mack points out that “Hand washing is so important in the prevention of flu, make sure you are washing your hands frequently and properly.”

Other ways to prevent spreading the illness are: Frequent hand washing, the current flu vaccination, and avoiding contact with sick people.

The 2016-2017 flu vaccination protects against the four strands of viruses that research suggests will be most common that year.

Some of the flu symptoms can be fever, runny/stuffy nose, headaches, fever, chill, body aches, cough or fatigue. If you feel any of those symptoms, stay home and rest.

She adds, seek immediate medical attention for your child if they are showing any of the following symptoms: Trouble breathing or fast breathing, bluish skin color, fever with a rash, signs of dehydration. Some additional symptoms to watch for in adults are: Sudden dizziness, confusion, severe vomiting and difficulty breathing.

JRMC Emergency Department Manager Sheila Krapp, says, “The elderly and infants are particularly vulnerable to the flu, and this year’s strain is no different. Our ED was flooded with flu patients the last two weekends.”

Krapp encourages people who have the flu to stay home and not spread the virus.