Influenza activity continues to rise

Health department encouraging vaccination

[January 27, 2011]  Flu seasons are unpredictable and can begin early in the fall and last late into the spring. In Illinois, we typically see our peak in January and February.

"This is true again this year as the Logan County Department of Public Health has seen an increase in influenza activity in the last couple weeks," said Shana Bean, emergency response coordinator for the Logan County Department of Public Health. "Although influenza is already beginning to spread, it is still not too late to vaccinate."

Getting vaccinated against the influenza virus is the single best way to protect yourself, and those around you, from the flu. Although it is recommended that everyone 6 months and older get the flu vaccine, certain people should make getting vaccinated a priority. These groups include:

• Young children.

• Pregnant women.

• People with chronic health conditions like asthma, diabetes, or heart and lung disease.

• People 65 years and older.

There is plenty of influenza vaccine nationwide, including at the Logan County Department of Public Health. The combined seasonal and H1N1 flu vaccine is available at the health department through walk-in clinic hours Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. until 4 p.m., or on the HOPE Mobile during its regularly scheduled stops.

Take one simple step this flu season to protect yourself and your loved ones: Get vaccinated against the flu today!

For further information on influenza, contact the Logan County Department of Public Health at 217-735-2317 or [e-mail]. You can also visit the website at www.lcdph.org.

[Text from file received from the Logan County Department of Public Health]