Flu facts

From the Logan County Department of Public Health

[November 27, 2012]  The flu and common cold have similar symptoms, but the flu tends to be more severe. It can be difficult to tell the difference between the two. Your health care provider can give you a test within the first few days of illness to determine whether or not you have the flu.

While influenza activity has only been sporadic throughout the U.S. to date, vaccination is still beneficial as long as influenza viruses are circulating. CDC recommends that providers begin to offer influenza vaccination as soon as vaccine becomes available in the fall, but if you have not been vaccinated by Thanksgiving or the end of November, it can still be protective to get vaccinated in December or later.

Influenza is unpredictable and seasons can vary. Seasonal influenza usually peaks in January or February, but the illness can occur as late as May.

The hours for vaccines at the health department are Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. until 4 p.m. No appointment is required. The influenza vaccine is also available on the HOPE Mobile during its regularly scheduled stops.

The cost of the seasonal flu shot is $25 for adults, $16.75 for children 6 months through 18 years of age who have no health insurance or health insurance that doesn't cover vaccines, and free to those with a Medicaid or Medicare card.

For more information on the seasonal influenza vaccine, call the Logan County Department of Public Health at 217-735-2317.

For more information, visit www.flu.gov and www.lcdph.org.

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