The DeKalb County Health Department announces the start of the flu prevention season, and reminds everyone that the “Flu ends with U”. According to Jane Lux, Public Health Administrator, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends an annual flu vaccination for everyone six months and older as the single best way to protect against influenza.
The DeKalb County Health Department is launching its annual “Flu Ends with U” prevention campaign that emphasizes the importance of flu vaccination. “Everyone, every year should get a flu shot to help protect themselves and their families,” states Lux. Lux adds that it is not too early to get your flu shot. The flu season can begin as early as October, but most commonly peaks in January or February. Flu vaccine provided in September will give protection throughout the season. It takes about two weeks after receiving the vaccine for antibodies to build up in the body, so it is important to get the vaccine before influenza illness begins in the community.
The Health Department offers walk-in flu clinics for adults and children every Thursday beginning September 18th through November 20, 2014 from 8:30-11:30 AM and 1:00-4:00 PM. Evening walk-in clinics will be held from 4-6 PM on Wednesday September 17, October 21 and November 19. Check our website for clinic schedules, flu vaccine information, and to complete consent forms in advance, at health.dekalbcounty.org. For current updates, call the Flu Hotline at 815-748-2410 (English) or 815-748-2425 (Spanish). Medicare and Medicaid are accepted. Most health insurances can be billed. Please bring your insurance card, a credit card, and photo id with you to the clinic. Medicaid will be billed or payment of $15 will be accepted for those children who qualify for the Vaccine for Children (VFC) program.
Influenza affects everyone differently. Even healthy people can get the flu and it can be serious. The CDC estimates flu associated deaths range from a low of about 3,000 to a high of about 49,000 annually. During a regular flu season, about 90 percent of deaths occur in people 65 years and older.
This year’s flu vaccine is safe and is made the same way as past flu vaccines. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services an average of 100 million doses of influenza have been used in the United States each year and the vaccine has an excellent safety record. The goal of the prevention campaign is to reduce influenza outbreaks through increased vaccinations and increased awareness of the 3 C’s. “This should result in more of our county residents staying healthy during flu season,” explains Lux.
In addition to getting a flu shot, practice the 3 Cs to stop the spread of germs and to help prevent the flu.
- Clean your hands – Wash your hands often with soap and warm water.
- Cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing -Cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve or elbow – not your hands. Or use a tissue to cover your mouth and nose.
- Contain your germs – Stay home if you are ill.
For more information, log onto http://www.idph.state.il.us/flu/index.htm.
*Editor’s Note: Lehan Drugs is also now offering Flu Shots as well. Visit their website to learn more now.
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