Centers for Disease Control officials recommend that everyone older than 6 months of age receive a flu vaccine. Last year’s flu vaccine will not protect you against this year’s flu virus. Last year seemed to be a mild flu season, but there is no way to predict what this year’s flu season will be like.
Flu season typically begins in October and reaches its peak December through March. It takes about two weeks for the flu vaccine to provide protection from the flu so it is important to get your vaccine now.
Influenza is a respiratory virus that can cause cough, fever, body aches, sore throat, headache, chills and fatigue. The virus is highly contagious from person to person and is spread by droplets coughed into the air. Preventing the spread of flu can be accomplished by getting the flu vaccine, covering your coughs and sneezes, washing your hands frequently and staying home when you have fever and flu-like symptoms. Complications from flu can lead to death, especially in adults over the age of 65 years  or children with diseases that affect the immune system.
Polk County Health Department is now providing flu vaccines from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday for anyone over 6 months of age. Blue Cross Blue Shield insurance, Medicare Part B and Medicaid will pay for the vaccine at the health department. Uninsured or underinsured children may get the vaccine free at the health department. There is a fee for those who do not meet the above criteria.
For more information, call the health department at 828-894-8271.
– article submitted
by Helen White