With National Influenza Vaccination Week running Dec. 4 – Dec. 8, the Central Michigan District Health Department along with the Center for Disease Control and Prevention are urging people to get their annual flu vaccine for those aged 6-months and older.
In addition to the flu vaccine, an updated COVID-19 vaccine is also recommended, which can both be administered during the same visit.
“National Influenza Vaccination Week is a critical opportunity to remind everyone 6 months and older that there’s still time to protect themselves and their loved ones from flu this season,” Jennifer Morse, CMDHD medical director, said. “While the flu season has already started, it will continue for months. The vaccine protects against four different strains of flu, so even if you have had the flu this year, it is important to still get vaccinated to be fully protected.”
In an effort to stay healthy, it is important to protect yourself but also protect those around you, according to a release from the health department.
Vaccines for flu and COVID-19 decrease the risk of severe illness and hospitalization, which helps prevent added strain on medical systems. People of every age, including those in good health, are at risk of getting the flu and having serious complications including death.
Some are at higher risk for complications from influenza, such as those with serious health conditions, the elderly, young children, those who are pregnant, and those with weakened immune systems.
For residents of Osceola County, and for those that would like to get either the flu, COVID-19, or both, visit: https://www.cmdhd.org/countyimmunizations to find the closest location.
Available staff will be able to provide information about other vaccines that may be right for you at the time of your visit. Many local pharmacies and medical provider offices also offer the vaccine.
Should you become sick, the health department is recommending the following:
- The CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone without a fever reducing medicine;
- If you are positive for COVID-19, visit the CDC’s website at CDC.gov for stay-at-home guidance, which has different protocols from the flu;
- Avoid close contact with people who are coughing or appear ill;
- Consider using a mask, or respirator, as they can help reduce the number of germs you breathe in. You can also use masks to help protect others if you are sick with a respiratory illness;
- Do not touch your eyes, nose, or mouth;
- Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are good to use when soap and water are not available;
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you sneeze or cough and throw the tissue in the trash. If no tissue is available, sneeze or cough into your elbow;
- Eat healthy foods, drink plenty of water, and get as much rest as possible;
- People who have symptoms such as a cough, fever, fatigue, sore throat, chills, headaches, body aches — possibly along with diarrhea and vomiting — should call their doctor;
- Check with your local health department or medical provider to see if there are other immunizations you need.
For more information, visit: www.cmdhd.org.
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