Free flu shots offered December 11 in New Haven

The flu has claimed seven lives in SC so far this season, one in the week ending November 28, state health officials say. “Therefore, it’s a good time to get vaccinated”.

It takes about two weeks for the flu shot to be fully effective, so plan ahead and get your flu shot immediately. Just 40.5% of at risk people under 65 have received the vaccine, which is recommended to be administered before early December for greatest effectiveness against the flu strains. “During the holidays and busy travel season, we’re typically exposed to more germs and viruses, which is why you really don’t want to put it off until the last minute or wait until your neighbors and co-workers are already getting sick”.

But low to moderate flu activity is starting to appear in Oklahoma and South Carolina, Jhung said. However, the CDC cites that flu vaccination lowers the risk of hospitalization by 61 percent in adults age 50 years and older and that in typical years, flu vaccination results in a 71 percent reduction in flu-related hospitalizations among adults of all ages.

The uptake of the flu vaccine among these groups, which is made up of pregnant women and those with underlying health conditions such as asthma, is down on the same period previous year. NIVW is an opportunity for public health professionals, health care professionals, health advocates, communities, and families from across the country to work together to promote flu vaccination before the traditional winter peak in flu activity.

“The flu vaccine helps protect against several strains of seasonal flu, including H1N1 swine flu”.

Flu vaccines are offered in many locations, including doctor’s offices, health departments, pharmacies and by some employers and schools.

In addition to getting vaccinated, you can take daily preventive actions like washing hands often with soap and warm water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, covering your nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing, and avoiding contact with sick people.

“Tons of vaccine are available”, Jhung said.

Visit texasflu.org for the latest information on flu in Texas, and flu.gov for details about symptoms, treatment, and prevention.