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 Further data also confirms that the predominant flu strain people
are infected with is type A, H3N2 which is associated with more
severe symptoms and a higher mortality rate, especially in young
children and seniors. While the current flu vaccine may not
guarantee a person full protection from this strain, the vaccine can
significantly reduce the chances of severe symptoms and one’s
ability to pass the virus to other individuals.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that
25,000 people in the United States die each year from influenza, and
966,000 medical visits and 67,000 hospitalizations were prevented
last year by the vaccine.
 While everyone 6 months of age or older should get a flu vaccine
this season, as recommended by the CDC, it is especially important
for certain groups at higher risk of medical complications from the
flu get vaccinated for their own safety, including:
- Children aged 6 months through 4 years of age
- Pregnant women
- Adults 50 years of age or older
- People who are immunosuppressed
- People of any age with certain chronic medical conditions,
including asthma, heart disease, diabetes, or chronic lung
disease
People who live with or care for those at high risk of flu
complications should also be vaccinated including:
- Health care workers
- Household contacts of persons at high risk of
complications from the flu
- Household contacts and out-of-home caregivers of
children younger than 6 months of age (these children are
too young to be vaccinated and are at risk to become
infected)
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Influenza can be a serious disease of the lungs, nose, and throat. The illness
is spread from person to person through contact with infected respiratory
secretions transmitted by coughing and sneezing. Typical flu symptoms include
fever, headache, extreme tiredness, dry cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy
nose, and muscle aches.
The LCDPH would like to remind everyone to get vaccinated if you have not done
so already. Flu vaccinations are available at the Logan County Department of
Public Health, located at 109 Third Street, Lincoln. The walk-in clinic hours of
operation are Monday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Friday 7:30
until noon.
For your convenience, the department now accepts all major insurance cards. If
you have questions, please contact the Logan County Department of Public Health
at 217-735-2317. For more information regarding services offered at the
department, you can also log onto their website at WWW.LCDPH.ORG.
Information Source: CDC
[Don Cavi, MS, LEHP
Public Health Administrator
Logan County Department of Public Health]
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