Flu clinics start Monday at the Department of Health

By LEANN BURKE
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JASPER – The County of Dubois Health Department will begin its annual Flu Vaccination Clinics on Monday.

The clinics will offer pediatric, adult and high dose vaccines. According to a press release from the health department, high-dose vaccines are aimed at the elderly, as the immune system weakens with age. Walk-in clinics will be open every day from 8am to 11am and from 1pm to 3pm. Department of Health, 1187 St. Charles Street, Jasper.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggest getting vaccinated by October 31 of this year, but Dubois County Nursing Director Jennifer Merkley said the sooner would be better. The flu season usually starts in September, she said, so if you wait until October, you may be too late.

"We encourage you to get it early for the best defense against infection," she said.

Influenza or flu is a contagious respiratory disease caused by influenza viruses. Symptoms include chills, cough, sore throat, muscle aches, fatigue, headache, and runny or runny nose. Some people with the flu will also have fever, vomiting and diarrhea.

Influenza viruses are spread mainly by droplets produced by people who cough, sneeze or talk.

The vaccine is particularly important for children and seniors whose immune system is weaker than the general public. According to the press release, influenza vaccine is the best way to prevent the flu, and all patients aged 6 months and older should receive one. It does not require any prescription and is covered by most health insurance plans, Merkley said.

The flu vaccine works because it helps the body to develop antibodies against the virus by injecting weakened influenza virus cells that will not cause the disease. Although it can not protect against all variations of the flu virus, the annual flu vaccine protects against four variations that, according to research, will be the most common during the next season.

Although it is not foolproof, the CDC maintains that the flu vaccine is the best way to prevent the flu. Other preventative measures include getting enough sleep, eating well, washing your hands regularly, sneezing and coughing in a shirt sleeve, not touching your face, and avoiding sick people. .

People who think they have the flu should contact their doctor for diagnosis and treatment. According to the CDC, prescription antiviral medications can reduce the duration of flu and prevent complications of the virus, such as pneumonia and hospital stay.