Westover, MD. – Flu season has arrived, so act now to prevent the flu. CDC recommends a yearly flu vaccine as the first and most important step in protecting against influenza and its potentially serious complications. Flu vaccination can reduce flu illnesses, doctor’s visits and missed work and school due to flu, as well as prevent flu-related hospitalizations. The flu vaccination also has been shown to significantly reduce a child’s risk of dying from influenza.
Everyone 6 months of age and older should get a flu vaccine every year before flu activity begins in their community. CDC recommends getting vaccinated by the end of October.
Take everyday preventive actions to stop the spread of germs:
- Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
- While sick, limit contact with others as much as possible to keep from infecting them.
- If you are sick with flu-like illness, CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. (Your fever should be gone for 24 hours without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.)
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. After using a tissue, throw it in the trash and wash your hands.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread this way.
- Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with germs like flu.
The Somerset County Health Department is holding clinics for flu vaccinations at 8928 Sign Post Road in Westover every Tuesday from 9:00am to 3:00pm. The vaccine is available to adults and children older than 6 months. The cost of the flu vaccine will be billed to Medicare for Medicare Part B participants. Please be sure to bring your Medicare Part B cards and any Medicare supplemental insurance cards you may have. For all others, monetary donations are welcome. Appointments are recommended but walk-ins are welcome. To schedule an appointment, call 443-523-1740.
The health department will also be hold a mass vaccination clinic for school age children on October 23, 2018 from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. This clinic will be for children ages 3 to 18. The vaccine is given at no cost. For more information, call 443-523-1740.