 "While seasonal flu outbreaks can happen as early as October, most
of the time seasonal flu activity peaks in January or later;
therefore, there is plenty of time to develop immunity," said Mary
Anderson, chief communicable disease nurse at the health department.
People who should get a seasonal flu vaccination each year include:
-
Children from age 6
months up to their 19th birthday.
-
Pregnant women.
-
People 50 years of
age and older.
-
People of any age
with certain chronic medical conditions.
-
People who live in
nursing homes and other long-term care facilities.
-
People who live
with or care for those at high risk for complications from flu,
including:
-
Health care
workers.
-
Household contacts
of people at high risk for complications from the flu.
-
Household contacts
and caregivers of children less than 5 years of age, with
particular emphasis on vaccinating contacts of children less
than 6 months of age (these children are at higher risk of
flu-related complications).
The priority group for the 2009 H1N1 vaccine continues to include
only:
-
Pregnant women.
-
People who live
with or provide care for infants less than 6 months old (e.g.,
parents, siblings and day care providers).
-
Health care and
emergency medical services personnel.
-
People age 6 months
to 24 years old.
-
People age 25-64 who have medical
conditions that put them at higher risk for influenza-related
complications.
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 The hours of operation for vaccinations at the health department
are Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. until 4 p.m., without an
appointment. Both the seasonal and H1N1 influenza vaccines will be
available on the HOPE Mobile beginning Monday during its regularly
scheduled stops.
The cost of the seasonal flu shot is $30, no charge to those with
a Medicaid or Medicare card, and the H1N1 vaccine is free.
The Logan County Department of Public Health reminds the public
to take everyday actions to stay healthy.
-
Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
-
Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you
cough or sneeze. If soap and water are not available, use an
alcohol-based hand rub.
-
Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
-
Stay home if you get sick. The Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention recommends that you stay home from work or school and
limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
Following this public health advice can prevent the spread of
influenza as well as other viruses that cause respiratory
infections, according to Anderson.
[Text from file received from
the
Logan County Department of Public
Health]
 |
