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October 29, 2020
Ottawa County COVID-19 testing site update:
Now offering flu vaccines
Uninsured adults (18 years of age and older) can get a free flu vaccine at one of the community pop-up COVID-19 drive-thru testing sites listed on page 3 - Grand Haven, Coopersville, Zeeland and Holland. English I Spanish
The more people vaccinated, the more people protected.
Do your part. Get a flu vaccine this fall.
This Season a Flu Vaccine is More Important than Ever!
The flu viruses and the virus that causes COVID-19 will likely both spread this fall and winter. Healthcare systems could be overwhelmed treating patients with flu and patients with COVID-19. This means getting a flu vaccine during 2020-2021 is more important than ever. While getting a flu vaccine will not protect against COVID-19, there are many important benefits, such as:
- Reducing the risk of flu illness, hospitalization and death.
- Helping to save healthcare resources for the care of patients with COVID-19.
Find other locations offering the flu vaccine at VaccineFinder.org
Influenza (flu) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by flu viruses that infect the nose, throat and sometimes the lungs. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. The best way to prevent flu is by getting a flu vaccine each year.
Healthy Habits to Help Prevent Flu
- The best way to prevent seasonal flu is to get vaccinated each year.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Stay home from work and school when you are sick.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing.
- Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth to prevent the spread of germs.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces.
Flu Symptoms Flu can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. Flu is different from a cold. Flu usually comes on suddenly. People who have flu often feel some or all of these symptoms:
- fever or feeling feverish/chills (not everyone with flu will have a fever)
- cough
- sore throat
- runny or stuffy nose
- muscle or body aches
- headaches
- fatigue (tiredness)
- some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults.
How Flu Spreads Most experts state the flu viruses spread mainly by tiny droplets made when people with flu cough, sneeze or talk. These droplets can land in the mouth or nose of people who are nearby. Less often, a person might get flu by touching a surface or object that has flu virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose or possibly their eyes
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COVID-19 Drive-thru Testing Sites
No-cost diagnostic COVID-19 testing is available for anyone 5 years of age and older with or without symptoms. Parental/guardian consent is required for minors. No screening and no appointment are needed. Please bring a form of ID (e.g., state or country issued ID or paperwork with your name and address [bill, mail or paystub]).
The National Guard will do the testing. Medical Reserve Corps volunteers and Ottawa County employees will provide support functions (instructions, forms, traffic control, data entry, etc.). Watch this video to learn more about the process.
COVID-19 testing is an important tool in helping to understand the scope of community-wide spread and making data-informed decisions on how to best protect the people of Ottawa County. If you have COVID-like symptoms and/or have been in close contact with someone infected with the new coronavirus please get tested and self-quarantine. Contact your primary care provider for any medical needs.
Other Ottawa County COVID-19 testing site information
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Learn more about COVID-19
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Click for more information about COVID-19 and Ottawa County's Response.
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