Flu Vaccines
Where is flu vaccine offered in Island County?
This is the time for obtaining flu
vaccine. The Health Department has flu
vaccine for those yet interested in obtaining this season's flu vaccine. (See
Clinic Schedule)
Please call your usual provider for further information. Children's
vaccine is available through their regular provider and and
at the Health Department's regular immunization clinics. (See
Clinic Schedule)
Who should get the flu vaccine?
- Everyone should consider getting
the flu vaccine. 200,000+ individuals of all ages are hospitalized in
America each year with flu, and 36,000 or more die. Influenza is
preventable. For CDC
recommendations go to http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/vaccine.htm
When should you get flu vaccine?
The best time to get flu vaccine is October and November. The flu season is typically
between December and March with the peak month varying by year. However, if you miss
getting the vaccine by November, get it as soon as you can during the flu season.
For children less than 8 years old who are getting the flu vaccine for the first time,
two doses of vaccine are given one month apart. For these children it is recommended that
the first dose be in October and the second dose in November.
What Is the Flu?
Influenza, also known as the flu, is contagious and caused by a family of influenza
viruses. It is spread by coughing, and sneezing, as well as touching eyes, nose, and mouth
with contaminated hands. The flu is different from a cold. Flu usually starts suddenly and
can cause fever, headache, extreme tiredness, sore throat, cough and body aches. Although
most of us who get the flu only have to miss a few days from school or work, the flu
causes thousands of hospitalizations and deaths each year among the high-risk groups. For
more information about the flu, how it spreads, and who are the high-risk groups, see www.cdc.gov/flu/about/disease.htm
What to Do If You Get Sick
You should know the common flu symptoms and what steps to take if you get sick. You
should also know the “emergency warning signs” that mean you need medical
attention right away. You can find this information at this CDC web page: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/sick.htm
Tips to Protect Yourself and Others from Flu and Other
Respiratory Diseases
Take the following simple steps to help prevent the spread of flu and other respiratory
diseases:
· Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, or use a hand sanitizer.
· Cover your mouth with your sleeve when you sneeze or cough.
· Use a tissue to wipe your nose, and promptly throw it in a waste
container.
· Stay home to avoid spreading germs if you or your family members are coughing, sneezing
or have aches or fever associated with the flu.
· Wear a mask to cover your face in a medical office, if asked.
· For more tips on preventing the spread of germs, see the Good Health Manners
fact sheet from the Washington State Department of Health.
Another Source for Flu Information: The Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention at www.cdc.gov/nip/flu
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