FLU VACCINE is widely available in Clark County, and health officials are recommending everyone six months and older get vaccinated soon.
Flu vaccine is widely available in Clark County, and health officials are recommending everyone six months and older get vaccinated soon.
“Flu season starts early some years, so we encourage people not to put it off,” said Dr. Alan Melnick, Clark County health officer. “Protection doesn’t kick in until two weeks after you get vaccinated, so don’t wait until flu is widely circulating before you get your shot.”
Flu occurs primarily from October through May. A contagious respiratory disease, flu kills more people in the U.S. than any other vaccine-preventable disease. On average, nearly 24,000 people die each year of flu, and more than 200,000 are hospitalized.
Flu shots remain the best method of preventing flu-related illness and missed days at school or work.
Flu symptoms can be severe, and include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, headaches and/or body aches, chills, fatigue and, occasionally, nausea. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends flu shots for everyone six months and older, with rare exceptions. Vaccination with a live, nasal-spray flu vaccine (FluMist) is an option for people two to 49 who are healthy and not pregnant. FluMist is the preferred vaccination for children ages two to eight.
People at greatest risk of complications from flu are especially urged to get vaccinated. They are young children, pregnant women, people 65 and older and people with asthma, diabetes, heart disease and other long-term health conditions.
To get vaccinated, call your healthcare provider or pharmacy. If you don’t have health insurance, call Sea Mar Community Health Centers at (360) 852-9070 or the Vancouver Free Clinic at (360) 313-1390 to make an appointment for a low-cost flu shot.
In addition to flu shots, these everyday practices can reduce the chance of catching or spreading disease:
• Cough or sneeze into your arm or cover your nose and mouth with a tissue. Throw away the tissue and wash your hands.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
• If you are sick with flu-like illness, stay home and limit contact with others.
• Avoid close contact with sick people.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
