The Polk County Health Department still has flu vaccine available. Stop by the Health Department daily between 8:30 a.m. until 4 p.m. with no appointment necessary to get vaccinated.  It is recommended that everyone who is six months or older receive a flu shot. The cost of the flu shot is $32 and we are able to file some with some insurance companies. Medicaid and Medicare are also accepted. Children six months through 18 years old who do not have insurance or whose insurance does not cover flu vaccine may qualify for a free flu shot.

It is not too late to get vaccinated. During the 2014-2015 flu season, cases of the flu started to increase in November and didn’t peak until between late December and February. This past year in North Carolina the highest number of flu related deaths in six years was reported.

“There are several ways you can help to prevent the flu from spreading. Getting your annual flu shot is the most important step,” said Brooke Waycaster, clinical manager of the Rutherford Polk McDowell Health District. Waycaster went on to add other everyday things you can do to avoid the flu:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water.  If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you need to cough or sneeze; or cough into your elbow.

If you do feel sick with flu-like symptoms, the CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone without the use of fever reducing medicine.

Call 828-894-8271 or visit rpmhd.org for more information. You can also find more information regarding the flu on the CDC’s website at www.cdc.gov/flu.

– Submitted by Yanet Cisneros