For Immediate Release Date: December 3, 2015 Contact: Leslie Piotrowski (847) 377-8055 Carolyn Waller (847) 377-8099
To
reduce the risk of illness, public health departments and healthcare organizations
across the state, including the Lake County Health Department/Community Health
Center, are encouraging residents to get a flu shot during Vaccinate Illinois
Week, December 6 through the 12. Vaccinate Illinois Week is a statewide
observance focused on educating the public about the importance of flu vaccine
during the fall and winter months.
“Influenza
is a serious disease that can lead to hospitalization and sometimes even death,”
said Tony Beltran, Executive Director of
the Lake County Health Department. “The single best way to protect
against the flu is to get vaccinated each year.”
Public
health officials recommend that everyone six months of age and older should be
vaccinated against influenza, especially pregnant women, young children, people
65 years of age and older, and anyone with underlying health conditions like
asthma, diabetes, or a weakened immune system. A flu vaccine is needed every
year because flu viruses are constantly changing.
“Flu vaccination can
reduce the risk of more serious flu outcomes, like hospitalizations and deaths,”
said Karyn Lyons, an advanced practice nurse and coordinator of the Health
Department’s Immunizations Clinic.
Several flu vaccine
options are available for the 2015-2016 flu season, including traditional flu
vaccines made to protect against three flu viruses (called trivalent shots),
and vaccines made to protect against four different flu viruses (called
quadrivalent shots). An egg-free shot for those who have egg allergies has also
been approved for people 18 years of age and older.
People with flu can
spread it to others as far as 6 feet away. Most experts think that flu viruses
are spread mainly by droplets made when people with flu cough, sneeze or talk.
These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or
possibly be inhaled into the lungs. Less often, a person might also get the flu
by touching a surface or object that has a flu virus on it and then touching
their own mouth or nose. Symptoms can include fever, cough, sore throat, runny
or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue.
In addition to getting a flu shot, you can also
reduce your risk by:
-
Washing
your hands regularly with soap and water.
If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
-
Practicing
good cough etiquette, such as coughing into your elbow instead of your hands.
-
Avoiding
touching your eyes, nose or mouth; germs are spread this way.
-
Avoiding close
contact with sick people. If you are sick with flu-like illness, stay home for
at least 24 hours after your fever is gone.
Flu
shots are available by appointment only at the Lake County Health Department’s
Immunizations Clinic at 2303 Dodge Avenue in Waukegan, and at numerous
locations throughout the county. The Health Department is handing out
Walgreens’ vouchers for free flu shots for qualifying, uninsured adults while
supplies last. To find a flu shot clinic
close to you, use the Flu Vaccine Finder at: http://www.flu.gov/. For more information, visit the Lake
County Health Department website at: http://health.lakecountyil.gov/Population/Pages/Influenza.aspx.
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