Spencer, Iowa (NorthwestIowaNow.com) — This time of year, we usually see an uptick in the flu, and right now the entire state is seeing a significant number of cases of Influenza A. Clay County Public Health Director Angel Smith says area schools report more students are out right now with illness, too.

How can you tell if it’s a common cold or Influenza? Smith says symptoms like body aches, fever, tiredness are attributed to the flu.

If you do have flu symptoms, Smith recommends staying home.

Smith says staying home also helps prevent the spreading of the flu.

If you did get a flu shot this year, but find yourself with flu symptoms, Smith says no vaccine is 100% affective, but it should help lessen the symptoms.

Contact your health provider if you feel your condition is serious, otherwise Smith recommends getting rest, hydration and staying home are your best options.

Thanks to Clay County Public Health.