Flu Season is Coming

The following is a nootice from the Kent County Health Department regarding Flu Shots:

Health Notes 

A Service of the Kent County Health Department

October 2011

Flu Season is Approaching!

Yes, it is that time of year again.  Influenza, or the flu, impacts schools and the workforce, but it can be prevented.  According to the CDC, the flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and lungs. Flu viruses can spread when people with flu cough, sneeze, or even talk! Someone might also get flu by touching a surface or object (like a phone) that has flu virus on it, and then touching their own mouth, eyes, or nose.  It can cause mild to severe illness, and in severe cases, can lead to death.

Signs and symptoms:

·         Fever* or feeling feverish/chills

·         Cough and/or sore throat

·         Runny or stuffy nose

·         Muscle or body aches

·         Headaches

·         Fatigue (very tired)

·         Vomiting and diarrhea (more common in children than adults)

*It’s important to note that not everyone with flu will have a fever.

Prevention:

·         Cover your nose and mouth with tissue when you cough or sneeze.

·         Wash your hands often with soap and water, or use alcohol-based hand rub.

·         Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth, as germs spread this way.

• The CDC recommends a yearly flu vaccine to protect against flu viruses.  The 2011-2012 vaccine will protect against an influenza A H3N2 virus, an influenza B virus and the H1N1 virus that emerged in 2009.

·         People at high risk of serious flu complications include young children, pregnant women, people with chronic health conditions like asthma, diabetes or heart and lung disease, and people 65 years and older.

·         Health care workers and people who live with or care for high risk people to keep from spreading flu to high risk people should consider vaccinations.

·         Children younger than 6 months are at high risk of serious flu illness, but are too young to be vaccinated. People who care for them should be vaccinated instead.

Stick it to the Flu!

Be sure to check out the Kent County Health Department website, “Stick it to the Flu” at http://www.stickittotheflu.com/ to learn more about flu vaccinations, prevention tips and treatment, or call (616) 742-4FLU to make an appointment.