Influenza

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that children six months of age and older should be immunized against influenza.

Most people who become infected with the flu will suffer with fever, congestion, cough, sore throat, and muscle aches over the course of a week or two and will eventually recover completely. However, some are at greater risk for serious complications that can lead to hospitalization or even death. The good news is that immunization can help protect us from the flu.

Following are recommendations from the CDC:

Influenza Recommendations

• Flu vaccines are offered in many locations, including doctors’ offices, clinics, local health centers, pharmacies, college health centers and places of business. Contact your health care provider today for your flu vaccine.
• Though this year’s flu vaccine has shown to be 62 percent effective, some individuals may still get the flu, however, their symptoms will be milder than if they had not received the vaccine.
• Students and adults should stay home from school or work if they develop influenza-like illness, such as fever, congestion, cough, sore throat, and muscle aches lasting a week or two.
• If you do get sick, wash hands often and cover your coughs and sneezes. It’s best to use a tissue and quickly throw it away. If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve, not your hands. This will prevent the spread of germs.
• Get plenty of rest and drink a lot of fluids.
• Individuals who are particularly vulnerable to complications from influenza should seek medical attention at the first signs of illness. This include mature adults over 65 years of age, young children, pregnant women, those with diabetes, heart disease, neurological conditions, or chronic lung diseases, such as asthma and COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease), and those who are severely obese persons.
  
  Residents with questions about influenza may call the Department of Health Services Hotline number 800-787-2200. To find out where you can get a flu shot, visit www.flu.gov.