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Not Too Late for Flu Protection
With so much attention focused on the holidays this time of year, it’s easy to forget what’s just around the corner – the peak of flu season. The good news is that it's not too late to get a flu shot.
“You can get sick from the flu any time of year, but flu cases typically peak in February in our area,” says Robert Thornton, Epidemiologist with the Coastal Health District. “Getting your flu shot in January or even February will still offer you important protection.”
Flu shots are $25. Most local health departments within the Coastal Health District have vaccine, but call first to confirm availability. Click here to find contact information for your local health department.
The Coastal Health District recommends an annual flu shot for everyone, with only a few exceptions for people with certain medical conditions (nurses will discuss these exemptions with each individual). The flu shot is especially important for people at high risk for flu complications, which include children 6 months of age through 5 years old, pregnant women, people 50 and older, people of any age with certain chronic medical conditions, people who live in nursing homes and other long term care facilities, and people who live with or work with those at high risk for flu complications.
In addition to getting a flu shot, the Health Department urges everyone to practice proper hand-washing to prevent the spread of flu, the cold virus, and other germs. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds to kill germs. Always wash your hands or use hand sanitizer before eating, after using the restroom, or anytime they are dirty.
For more information about flu vaccination, visit the website of the Centers for Disease Control.