Even though we’re late in the winter season, health officials are still warning the public about the flu and how to keep it from spreading.

There have been 15 deaths in Iowa this season attributed to influenza, mainly affecting very young and very old patients; but many people mistake other conditions for the flu, so the warnings include advice on what to watch for.

Judi Van Hulzen is a nurse with the Marion County Public Health Department; she says a 24-hour case of vomiting, diarrhea and weakness is gastroenteritis, or what is referred to as the stomach flu — but what they are warning the public about is a respiratory virus, which can last longer and be more serious.

She tells KNIA/KRLS News those who come down with the flu must take steps to keep it from spreading to anyone else.

“So if you think you might have influenza, and keep in mind you can spread the flu or influenza 48 hours before you even have it, you need to stay home. Especially stay away from infants and older folks; cover that cough, don’t go to work that day, call in sick if you’ve got the flu,” Van Hulzen says.

Those who have had influenza A or B say the experience is very traumatic; it can last seven days, and Van Hulzen says those she’s spoken with who have had it say it was as if their bones hurt, and they simply couldn’t get out of bed.

She says it’s not too late to get a flu shot, and your doctor or other health provider may have a few doses left. But Van Hulzen warns it takes two weeks for the shot to take effect, and in  it doesn’t guarantee you won’t come down with the virus, but it does offer more protection than not having it.