Health officials are encouraging people to get the flu shot earlier this year so that it can become effective before influenza viruses are widespread.
Most people can get a flu shot by scheduling an appointment with their health care provider or simply walking into their pharmacy. It takes about two weeks to develop antibodies that protect against flu, so make plans to get vaccinated before flu season begins. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that anyone 6 months of age or older get a flu vaccine by the end of October.
Every flu season is different, but millions of people get the flu each year, while hundreds of thousands of people are hospitalized and thousands more die from flu-related causes. The flu vaccine does not cause influenza, which is a contagious respiratory illness that infects the nose, throat and lungs.
Wood County Community Health Center offers the flu vaccine to established patients. To become a patient or for more information, call 419-354-9049 or visit WCHealthCenter.org
Wood County Health Department provides flu immunization for children 18 or under whose health care providers do not offer vaccines. For more information, call 419-354-8402 ext. 3258.
Frequent handwashing is one of the best ways to avoid acquiring or transmitting many illnesses, including influenza. Also make sure to disinfect surfaces at home and at work, cough and sneeze into your sleeve, and avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
The mission of Wood County Health Department is to prevent disease, promote healthy lifestyles and protect the health of everyone in Wood County. Our Community Health Center provides comprehensive medical services for men, women and children. We welcome all patients, including uninsured or underinsured clients, regardless of their ability to pay, and we accept most third-party insurance. For more information, visit WoodCountyHealth.org
