LEON COUNTY, Fla. — The Florida Department of Health in Leon County is encouraging everyone to get a flu vaccination with more than two months left to the flu season.
DOH-Leon says the flu season runs from October to May and Leon County residents are still becoming ill from the flu.
“Getting vaccinated against flu protects not just you, but everyone around you,” said DOH-Leon Health Officer Claudia Blackburn, “It also lessens your risk of being hospitalized and dying from the flu. You’re doing your part to protect the community at large when you get a flu vaccination.”
DOH-Leon stated the flu vaccine is safe and recommended for everyone six months and older, including pregnant women. Flu vaccines can vary in effectiveness from season to season, but they continue to be the best way to prevent influenza infection and serious influenza complications.
According to DOH-Leon, if you become ill with flu-like symptoms, contact your health care provider as soon as possible. Your health care provider can prescribe antiviral treatment if appropriate. Treatment is most effective when started within 48 hours, so calling as soon as you become ill is important, especially if you or your loved one is at a higher risk for complications: children younger than 5, adults over the age of 65, pregnant women and those with underlying medical conditions.
They also stated to stay home from work and keep children home from school or daycare when sick to help prevent spreading the flu to others. It is also essential to practice good hygiene by properly and frequently washing your hands. You can take additional steps to ward off the flu by coughing or sneezing into a tissue or your elbow and avoiding touching your face.
Visit www.floridahealth.gov/floridaflu for more information on influenza and influenza-like illness in Florida.
