Seneca County General Health District is urging everyone to get their annual flu shots. Because flu season generally lasts through March and sometimes into April, it is important not to receive the vaccine too early in order to assure protection throughout the whole flu season. The time is now.
The health district is to host a clinic 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Nov. 14 at 71 S. Washington St. No appointment is necessary. Cost is $22 for adults and $14 for children. People with Medicare part B and Medicaid may receive shots at no charge with qualifying card.
Influenza is a respiratory illness, characterized by headache, fever, cough and body aches. Protection from influenza vaccine peaks two weeks after vaccination and will diminish over the course of 6 months, thus the reason for needing yearly boosters. If vaccination is received too early, you may not be protected for the entire flu season.
While influenza vaccination is recommended for all people ages 6 months and older, high risk people include those older than 50, people with any high-risk or chronic condition such as cardiac or respiratory ailments or immune deficiencies, children ages 6 months to 5 years, health-care workers, pregnant women and household contacts and out-of-home caregivers of persons at high risk.
In addition to vaccination, the best ways to prevent the flu, and the spread of flu, are to wash hands frequently, cover a cough, avoid crowded situations during peak flu season, and stay home when ill. More tips on influenza prevention are posted at www.cdc.gov/flu.
The high-dose flu vaccine is available for people age 65 and older, and the nasal mist and injection is available for children.
For more information, call (419) 447-3691 or (800) 698-3691.
