Be local by getting vaccinated against the flu | News from the community

A few days of rest and medication can help cure a cold. But there are more serious diseases and it is a good idea to take precautions.

Being local, it's being a good friend and neighbor making sure to get flu shot this season. Your family will appreciate it too.

The vaccine is available in doctor's offices, clinics and pharmacies. Sometimes workplaces or schools offer the opportunity to get it. It only takes a little while to get the hang of it.

And there are good reasons to get vaccinated.

"The flu is a potentially serious disease that can lead to hospitalization and sometimes death," says the Center for Control and Prevention of Disease on its website. "Every flu season is different and influenza infection can affect different people, but millions of people get the flu every year, hundreds of thousands of people are hospitalized, and thousands, if not tens of thousands of people die each year from the flu. An annual seasonal flu shot is the best way to protect against the flu. Immunization has been shown to have many benefits, including reduced risk of influenza, hospitalizations and even the risk of death from influenza in children. "

The Pennsylvania Department of Health said, "Flu is different from colds. Influenza usually occurs suddenly and may include the following symptoms: fever, headache, fatigue (may be extreme), dry cough, sore throat, nasal congestion, and body aches. "

The state health department also said, "Influenza viruses spread from person to person. This can happen when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Coughs and sneezes produce droplets laden with viruses that can spread in the air up to one meter. Influenza can also spread when droplets of coughing or sneezing land on objects such as door handles, switches, and so on. If other people touch the objects, then touch their mouth or nose the virus can spread.

"You can pass the flu to someone else before and while you are sick," noted the state. "Adults may be able to infect others by starting one day before the onset of symptoms and up to five to seven days after the onset of the disease. Some people, especially young children and people with weakened immune systems, may be able to infect others even longer. "

The CDC explained that influenza vaccines are effective because they cause antibody formation in the body about two weeks after vaccination, providing protection against infection with the viruses in the vaccine. The seasonal flu vaccine protects against influenza viruses that, according to research, will be the most prevalent during the next influenza season.

The CDC also issued recommendations on who to vaccinate.

"Anyone six months old or older should get the flu shot every season," said the CDC. "This recommendation has been in effect since February 24, 2010, when the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices voted in favor of" universal "influenza vaccination in the United States to expand protection against influenza in Canada. more people. Preventative vaccination against influenza is particularly important for people at high risk of serious flu complications. "

Some people can not be vaccinated against influenza, including children under 6 months of age and people who are allergic to eggs or vaccine ingredients. If in doubt, talk to your health care provider.

The CDC recommends getting vaccinated before the flu begins to spread in your community.

"Getting vaccinated later can still be beneficial and vaccinations should continue to be offered throughout the influenza season, even in January or later," said the CDC.

The Ministry of Health also noted: "It is important to take daily preventive measures to prevent the spread of germs, including washing your hands often, covering your mouth and nose with a tissue when you sneeze or cough, avoid to touch you regularly appears and stays at home in case of illness. & # 39; & # 39;

Those wishing to join the Be Local Network can contact Ted Flowers at 724-425-7231 or by e-mail at [email protected]. Discount cards are available at Herald-Standard, 8 E. Church St., Uniontown, and Greene County Messenger, 82 W. High St., Waynesburg.