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With Flu Activity Increasing, It’s Not Too Late To Get Your Flu Shot
January 16, 2018
Both in Florida and throughout the U.S., flu activity is on the rise. In Florida, data shows more influenza activity across all age groups this year than detected in the last two flu seasons. Cases of the flu are particularly increasing in the northern portions of the state, including the Panhandle.
The number flu cases is increasing in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties, according to the health department. The flu is being reported as at a moderate activity level in Escambia County and at a mild level in Santa Rosa County.
Last week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced that based on their data, this might be the peak of this year’s flu season. CDC recommends that people who are very sick or who are at high risk of serious flu complications and get flu symptoms should be treated with antiviral drugs as soon as possible.
It is not too late to get your flu vaccine. There are still weeks of flu activity to come. Flu vaccines can vary in effectiveness from season to season but they continue to be the best way to prevent influenza infection and serious influenza complications. To locate a flu shot near you, contact your physician, your local county health department, or use the Florida Department of Health’s flu shot locator: www.floridahealth.gov/findaflushot
The flu vaccine is recommended for everyone six months and older, including pregnant women. It takes about two weeks after vaccination for your body to develop protection against the flu. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends people get injectable flu shots. Nasal spray vaccine is not recommended for this flu season because of concerns about its effectiveness.
It is also essential to practice good hygiene by properly and frequently washing your hands to help prevent the spread of seasonal flu. Make it a habit to clean and disinfect commonly used surfaces in your home, school or office. You can take additional steps to ward off the flu by coughing or sneezing into a tissue or your elbow and avoiding touching your face.
Comments
3 Responses to “With Flu Activity Increasing, It’s Not Too Late To Get Your Flu Shot”
@Puddin
That sounds great. However, for someone barely keeping their head above water for a family, that’s hard to do. My nephew works for a plumbing company in Pace and was off Wednesday for the weather, took off today for being sick, and should take off tomorrow because he’s still very sick. He needs the hours and he fears they may fire him. It’s a large “stick” plumbing company who depends on volume. When someone is absent, it prevents the daily job from being completed.
Well, this season the flu shot has not been very effective from what I’m seeing, but may decease the severity and duration.
PLEASE stay home if you’re sick. Keep you sick kids home. Don’t go shopping, to the mall, dash to the store, zip in to work for a minute or leave your home. Stop the spread by being considerate and thoughtful of others.