| Flu Vaccines
Where is flu
vaccine offered in Island County?
This is the time for obtaining flu vaccine. The
Health Department has flu vaccine for those yet interested in obtaining this season's flu
vaccine. (See Clinic Schedule)
Please call your usual provider for further
information. Children's vaccine is available through their regular provider and and
at the Health Department's regular immunization clinics. (See Clinic
Schedule)
Who should get the flu
vaccine?
- Everyone should consider getting the flu vaccine.
200,000+ individuals of all ages are hospitalized in America each year with flu, and
36,000 or more die. Influenza is preventable. For CDC recommendations go to http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/vaccine.htm
When should you get
flu vaccine?
The best time to get flu vaccine is October and
November. The flu season is typically between December and March with the peak month
varying by year. However, if you miss getting the vaccine by November, get it as soon as
you can during the flu season.
For children less than 8 years old who are getting
the flu vaccine for the first time, two doses of vaccine are given one month apart. For
these children it is recommended that the first dose be in October and the second dose in
November.
What Is the Flu?
Influenza, also known as the flu, is contagious and
caused by a family of influenza viruses. It is spread by coughing, and sneezing, as well
as touching eyes, nose, and mouth with contaminated hands. The flu is different from a
cold. Flu usually starts suddenly and can cause fever, headache, extreme tiredness, sore
throat, cough and body aches. Although most of us who get the flu only have to miss a few
days from school or work, the flu causes thousands of hospitalizations and deaths each
year among the high-risk groups. For more information about the flu, how it spreads, and
who are the high-risk groups, see www.cdc.gov/flu/about/disease.htm
What to Do
If You Get Sick
You should know the common flu symptoms and what
steps to take if you get sick. You should also know the “emergency warning
signs” that mean you need medical attention right away. You can find this information
at this CDC web page: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/sick.htm
Tips to Protect
Yourself and Others from Flu and Other Respiratory Diseases
Take the following simple steps to help prevent the
spread of flu and other respiratory diseases:
· Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, or use a hand sanitizer.
· Cover your mouth with your sleeve when you sneeze or cough.
· Use a tissue to wipe your nose, and promptly throw it in a waste container.
· Stay home to avoid spreading germs if you or your family members are coughing, sneezing
or have aches or fever associated with the flu.
· Wear a mask to cover your face in a medical office, if asked.
· For more tips on preventing the spread of germs, see the Good Health Manners
fact sheet from the Washington State Department of Health.
|
