Logan County Department of Public Health:  Now entering peak flu season

[December 15, 2018]  The Center for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that influenza (flu) has resulted in between 9.2 million and 60.8 million illnesses, between 140,000 and 710,000 hospitalizations and between 12,000 and 56,000 deaths annually since 2010.

 In Logan County alone last season, 481 cases of flu were reported with 55 residents requiring hospitalization. The season typically ends in May with the highest number of flu cases generally reported between the months of November and March. Since flu season is now at its peak period, it is not too late to be sure you are protected against the flu.

According to the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), vaccination is the best way to protect against the flu. With rare exception, it is recommended everyone ages six months and older get the flu vaccine annually.

The flu vaccine...

• keeps you protected from getting sick with the flu;

• reduces the risk of flu-related hospitalization;

• is an important preventative measure for people with poor chronic health conditions;

• helps protect women and developing baby during and after pregnancy;

• may make your illness milder if you get sick; and

• the flu vaccine helps protect the people that are around you.

The Logan County Department of Public Health (LCDPH) has the flu vaccine available in both regular and high dose.

The high dose is given to people ages 65 and older and is covered 100% by Medicare. It is recommended to talk with your doctor about which type is best for you. In addition, LCDPH carries the quadrivalent vaccine this year which covers 4 strands of the flu. For convenience, LCDPH accepts all major insurances, otherwise, cash pay will be required and no appointment is necessary.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Healthy People 2020 goal is for 70% of citizens to be vaccinated. To help meet this challenge and to encourage everyone to be immunized, anyone who receives a flu shot at LCDPH will be entered into a drawing to receive a $50 gift card for IGA, Aldi or Dollar General. The drawings will be held on December 20th. You do not need to be present to win.

LCDPH welcomes all to reinvest in their community and to take advantage of their services to help make Logan County healthier. The health department is located at 109 Third Street, Lincoln, IL. The walk-in clinic hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. For more information regarding what Logan County Department of Public Health offers, contact them at 217-735-2317 or log onto their website at WWW.LCDPH.ORG.

[Don Cavi, MS, LEHP
Public Health Administrator
Logan County Department of Public Health]