Broward County Health Department encourages the public to take precautions against flu ‘It’s not too late to get a flu shot’
Submitted by Candy Sims
BROWARD COUNTY, FL – Though flu season has already started, the Broward County Health Department encourages unvaccinated residents and visitors to get vaccinated against influenza (flu). Compared with most other viral respiratory infections, such as the common cold, influenza infection often causes a more severe illness, and at times can lead to death. It is not too late to get a flu shot and we encourage everyone six months and older to get vaccinated against the flu.
Flu vaccine is available through healthcare providers, local retail outlets, and pharmacies.
The flu is a contagious disease, caused by the influenza virus, and spreads to others when infected persons cough, sneeze or talk.
“The best way to prevent the flu is to get a flu shot,” said Dr. Paula Thaqi, director of the Broward County Health Department. “We strongly encourage everyone six months and older to get vaccinated against the flu.”
Individuals at high risk for flu complications include infants and young children, pregnant women, persons age 65 years and over, and persons of any age with chronic medical conditions. It is especially important for these individuals and their caretakers to get vaccinated.
Broward County Health Department encourages the following preventive steps for the flu:
· Get vaccinated EVERY YEAR because as the flu types
change, the vaccine changes.
· Wash your hands often with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
· Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.
· Do not share eating utensils, drinking glasses, towels or other personal items.
· Stay home when you are sick, keep sick children home and check with a health care provider, as needed.
· Avoid close contact with people who are sick, if possible.
· Avoid crowds and areas where people congregate and are likely to be sneezing and coughing.
Common symptoms of the flu include: Fever (usually high), headache, extreme tiredness, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, (much more common among children than adults).
