Seasonal Flu Vaccine available at the Monongalia County Health Department

The single best way to protect against the flu is to get a flu vaccine each year.  The CDC recommends everyone who is at least 6 months of age or older, especially people at high risk for developing serious complications from the flu, get vaccinated each season.

 

Influenza is a serious disease that can lead to hospitalization and sometimes even death.  Every flu season is different and influenza can affect people differently.  Even healthy people can get very sick from the flu and spread it to others.  The “seasonal flu season” in the United States can begin as early as October and last as late as May.

 

Flu vaccines will provide protection against infection about two weeks after the vaccination and last through the flu season.  In addition to getting the vaccine, there are other steps that can be taken to prevent influenza illness.

·         Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.  Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.

·         Wash your hands often with soap and water.  If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol based hand sanitizer.

·         Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.  Germs spread this way.

·         If you are sick with flu-like symptoms, stay at home and limit contact with others until at least 24 hours after your fever is gone without the use of fever-reducing medication.

 

While everyone 6 months of age or older should get a flu vaccine, it is especially important for some people to get vaccinated:

·         People who are at high risk of developing serious complications like pneumonia if they get sick with the flu.  This includes:  people who have certain medical conditions like asthma, diabetes, and chronic lung diseases; pregnant women, and people 65 years and older.

·         People who live with or care for others who are at high risk of developing serious complications.  This includes:  household contacts and caregivers of people younger than 6 months of age and with certain medical conditions including asthma, diabetes, and chronic lung disease.

 

For clinic schedules and how to make an appointment visit our Facebook page at:

https://www.facebook.com/WVMCHD

 

Content by MCHD Nursing