People are becoming sick with influenza, a disease most people can avoid by getting a flu shot and using basic prevention tips, according to the Wood County Health District.
Every flu season is different, and the flu can affect people differently. Millions of people get the flu each year, while hundreds of thousands of people are hospitalized and thousands more die from flu-related causes.
Flu season typically lasts until April or May. Now is a good time to get a flu shot if you haven’t already, because they take about two weeks to become effective.
The flu vaccine does not cause influenza, which is a contagious respiratory illness that infects the nose, throat and lungs. Some people may experience short-term symptoms like drowsiness or nausea after receiving a flu shot. The CDC recommends that anyone over 6 months of age get a flu shot.
Most people can get a flu shot simply by walking into their pharmacy, and Wood County Health District offers them to patients of its Community Health and Wellness Center. Children over 6 months are supposed to receive a flu shot but should see their primary care provider first. Wood County Health District will give flu shots to children 18 or under if their provider does not offer them.
Frequent handwashing is one of the best ways to avoid acquiring or transmitting any illness, 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.
For more information about influenza, visit http://woodcountyhealth.org/nursing/flu_faq.html. To establish care with the Wood County Community Health and Wellness Center, call 419-354-9049 or visit www.wchealthcenter.org for more information.
The mission of Wood County Health District is to prevent disease, promote healthy lifestyles and protect the health of everyone in Wood County. Our Community Health and Wellness 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 www.woodcountyhealth.org
