Who is at highest risk of flu complications?
- Children younger than 5, but especially children younger than 2 years old
- People 65 years of age and older
- Pregnant women
- People of any age with chronic medical conditions such as athsma and a weakened immune system
- People who live in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities
How can I prevent the flu?
The single best way to prevent the flu is to get a flu vaccine each season. Everyone over 6 months of age is recommended to get a flu vaccine each year. Flu vaccines are available for persons over 6 months of age. FluMist® is available for healthy people 2-49 years of age. People should get vaccinated every year because immunity to influenza viruses decline over time and circulating strains often change from year to year.
In addition to getting the flu vaccine, take extra hygiene precautions to protect yourself and others from the flu:
- Wash your hands often with warm water and soap
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or with your arm when you sneeze or cough
- Avoid close contact with anyone who is sick
- If you do get sick with the flu, stay home and away from others for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone
Call your medical provider as soon as you feel ill, especially if you have medical conditions, so that you may be prescribed antiviral medications.
When should I get a flu vaccine?
You should get your flu vaccine as soon as it becomes available each year, however, there is benefit to getting the vaccine later as long as the flu is still circulating.
Where can I get my flu shot?
Talk to your health care provider or pharmacist about getting a flu vaccine today! If you do not have health insurance, call the Onondaga County Health Department at 315.435.2000 to see about the availability of flu vaccine at our immunization clinic. |
