Cooler October weather means it's time for fall festivals, pumpkin carving and seasonal flu shots. The McDonald County Health Department urges everyone over the age of 6 months to get a seasonal flu shot this year.
"Flu viruses circulate through our community each year," says administrator Paige Behm, "and we never know for sure how severe the flu season will be. It is very important for people to protect themselves and our whole community by getting a flu shot."
The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. Symptoms come on suddenly and can include a fever, headache, body aches, tiredness, stuffy or runny nose, and vomiting or diarrhea.
The flu can cause mild to severe illness and can even lead to death in some people. Young children, older adults and people with weakened immune systems are at highest risk for severe illness. Other people may have the flu but have no symptoms at all. Whether a person seems sick or not, if they have the flu, they can spread it to other people.
Flu is spread on respiratory droplets when a sick person coughs, sneezes or talks. Another person gets those droplets in their mouth, nose or eyes and then gets sick with the flu. The viruses can also be spread on contaminated objects like doorknobs, phones and other items people touch.
The best protection against seasonal influenza is an annual vaccination. The influenza viruses that circulate in a community can vary each year, so it is important to get a shot each year. The shot will build immunity in your body and will offer protection about two weeks after you get it.
You cannot get the flu from a flu shot, but your arm may be red and sore after you get the shot.
"In addition to getting an annual flu shot, we encourage everyone to practice frequent hand washing," adds Behm. "We also remind people to keep a distance of at least 6 feet from people who are sick. Stay home if you have the flu, and keep your child home from school or daycare if he is sick."
General News on 09/29/2016