LEONARDTOWN, MD (November 10, 2014) – With the upcoming holidays, many residents have travel plans or will be hosting out-of-town visitors. The St. Mary’s County Health Department reminds residents that the flu season is here, and the best line of defense against the flu is immunization. Seasonal flu (influenza) is a serious disease that leads to hospitalization and causes fatalities every year.
Influenza is caused by a virus which can be spread by coughing, sneezing, or nasal secretions. While even healthy people can get very sick from the flu, certain people are more susceptible to complications from the illness. Young children, people 65 years of age and older, pregnant women, and people with health conditions such as heart, lung or kidney disease, or a weakened immune system are at high risk of developing serious complications from the seasonal flu.
Everyone six months of age and older should get vaccinated against the seasonal flu each year. It is also important that people who live with or care for others who are at high risk of developing serious complications from the seasonal flu receive the flu vaccine. Because it takes about two weeks after vaccination to provide protection against the flu virus, early action is recommended.
Additionally, the health department advises everyone to take the following precautions to avoid the spread of germs that cause the seasonal flu:
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth to reduce the spread of germs.
- Avoid close contact with people who have flu-like symptoms.
- Stay home from school or work if you are sick to avoid spreading the flu to others.
- Practice other good health habits. Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces, especially when someone is ill. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.
Please contact your health care provider or local pharmacy to arrange for your flu vaccination. Residents may also receive flu vaccination, by appointment only, for a fee of $25 at the health department. Please call 301-475-4330 to schedule an appointment.
For more information about seasonal flu and influenza vaccinations, please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.