 |
|
For Immediate Release
Date: November 30, 2016
Contact: Leslie Piotrowski
(847) 377-8055
|
Waukegan, Ill. – 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 4th through the 10th. Vaccinate Illinois
Week is a statewide observance focused on educating the public about the
importance of flu vaccine during the fall and winter months.
“Vaccinate
Illinois Week reminds us that it is not too late to get a flu shot even though
it is December,” said Mark Pfister, the Health Department’s Interim Executive
Director. “This is your chance to get
your flu shot ahead of prime flu season. It takes about two weeks after vaccination for the body’s immune system
to fully respond and for you to be protected.”
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.
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, 2303 Dodge Avenue,
Waukegan, and at numerous locations throughout the county. The Immunizations
Clinic 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://www.lakecountyil.gov/1871/Influenza.
| 
