It’s that time of year again
Flu season will be here soon so now is the time to get vaccinated. Influenza (flu) is a serious disease caused by a virus and it can make you feel miserable! Fever, cough, shaking chills, body aches, and extreme weakness are common symptoms. You can catch the flu from people who cough, sneeze, or even just talk around you. It is very contagious!
Flu is dangerous
Tragically, each year, infants, children, teens, and adults die from the flu. The virus is very unpredictable so no one knows how deadly it will be each year. Even if you have a mild case of the flu, you can still pass it on to your friends, family, and coworkers who could get very sick or even die. The flu is most dangerous for people with health conditions like heart and lung disease, the very young and very old, and pregnant women. But anyone can become seriously sick from influenza – even young, healthy people.
How can you protect yourself and your loved ones?
Vaccination is the best way to prevent the flu. Everyone age 6 months and older should get their flu shot every year. Getting vaccinated not only protects you, it also protects the people around you. When you get vaccinated, you are helping to protect babies who are too young to get their shots. Also, remember these other tips to keep yourself and your loved ones healthy this flu season:
· Wash your hands with soap and water
· Cover your nose and mouth with your elbow when you cough or sneeze
· Try not to touch your eyes, nose, or mouth
· Try to avoid close contact with sick people. If you get sick try to limit contact with others so you don’t get them sick
Where can you get your flu shot?
Influenza vaccine is now available for this flu season. Watch for ads in the community from our local pharmacies or check with your health care provider. Below is information regarding flu clinics and other flu shot availability for the community:
Guthrie Corning Centerway Flu Clinics:
Wednesday, September 19th
10:00 am – 7:00 pm
First Floor Family Practice Area (Forms in the Lobby)
Thursday, September 20th
10:00 am – 4:00 pm
First Floor Family Practice Area (Forms in the Lobby)
Schuyler Primary Care Walk In Flu Shots:
**Starting October 1st**
Mondays and Wednesdays
7:30 am – 11:45 am and 1 pm – 5:15 pm
Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays
7:30 am – 11:45 am and 1 pm – 3:45 pm
No appointment necessary
Open to all, do not have to be an established patient
Schuyler County Public Health Flu Clinics:
Wednesday, October 17th
11:00 am – 1:00 pm
Human Services Complex (323 Owego Street in Montour Falls)
Vaccine is no charge with County ID badge or Medicare Part B Card. Fee for others $35.
Find other Flu Clinics:
Learn more about the flu:
http://www.immunize.org/catg.d/p4408.pdf
https://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/keyfacts.htm
https://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/preventing.htm