Flu vaccine still available

Flu activity is picking up across our state and the nation. The timing and severity of flu seasons are unpredictable and flu can be severe. Each year in Washington and around the country the flu causes hospitalizations and deaths.

“Any death from a preventable illness is upsetting, and it’s especially heartbreaking when a child dies,” says Secretary of Health Mary Selecky. “These deaths are a somber reminder that flu is serious and makes thousands sick in our state each year. With flu season picking up, it's important to remember that we can protect ourselves and our loved ones with a flu shot.”

Flu can cause serious illness even in healthy people. Everyone six months and older should get a flu shot each season. Flu shots are especially important for people at high risk for complications from the flu, including young kids, people 65 and older, pregnant women and women who recently gave birth, and people with certain medical conditions like asthma, diabetes, heart disease, lung disease, and neurologic conditions.

It takes about two weeks after being vaccinated to be fully protected. Children under nine may need two doses of flu vaccine about four weeks apart for protection. This year's vaccine is well-matched to the strains that are spreading.

Babies under six months are too young to get the flu shot and are especially vulnerable. Help protect babies by making sure everyone around them is vaccinated. There is no shortage in flu vaccine this year, according to Ed Dzedzy, Lincoln County Health Department Administrator. Local providers and pharmacies have supplies and are prepared to increase supplies depending on the demand. To protect yourself and those around you, contact your local provider or pharmacy to receive your flu shot as soon as possible encourages Dzedzy.

Flu seasons are unpredictable and can be severe. In the United States over a recent 30-year period, the flu was linked to thousands of deaths each year – ranging from 3,000 to 49,000.

Flu viruses spread when people with flu generate droplets from their mouths or noses while coughing, sneezing, or talking. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby. People can also get flu by touching a surface or object that has flu virus on it and then touching their own mouth, eyes, or nose. A person can spread flu before they know they're sick and up to seven days after. Children can spread it for even longer. The best way to avoid getting or spreading the flu is to get a yearly flu shot. Other important prevention strategies include washing your hands often, covering your cough, getting plenty of rest and drinking lots of fluids and staying home if you're sick.

If you're already sick with the flu, antiviral medications can lessen symptoms and help prevent serious complications. They work best when started quickly; people should ask their health care provider about their best option. It's also important to stay away from others for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.