Don’t Take Chances with Your Health, Get the Flu Vaccine

Recent School Outbreaks Remind Us the Flu Can Be Dangerous 

Harris County, TX (December 19, 2017) – The holidays often bring families closer together and unfortunately increase the risk of catching and spreading the flu. Harris County Public Health (HCPH) reminds residents that the best way to protect themselves and their loved ones is by getting vaccinated. Every flu season is different, and even healthy people can get very sick from the flu and spread it to others.

“There has been an increase in the level of flu-like activity in several area school districts causing students to miss class and staff to miss work,” said Dr. Umair A. Shah, HCPH Executive Director.  “The flu can have very serious complications and even cause death. We are fortunate that we have a vaccine to help prevent it.”

Flu symptoms include the following signs and symptoms:

  • Fever* or feeling feverish/chills
  • Cough
  • Sore throat
  • Runny or stuffy nose
  • Muscle or body aches
  • Headaches Fatigue (very tired)
  • Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults.

*It’s important to note that not everyone with flu will have a fever.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the flu virus is spread through droplets when people with the flu cough, sneeze or talk. The droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby. Also, a person might also get the flu by touching a surface that has the flu virus on it and then touching their mouth, eyes, or nose.

“I encourage people to practice good health habits,” said Dr. Brian C. Reed, HCPH Director, Disease Control & Clinical Prevention. “I cannot overstress the importance of sneezing and coughing into your arm, along with washing your hands with soap and warm water to help stop the flu from spreading.”

Prevention

See your healthcare provider if your symptoms get worse, last a long time or include vomiting, high fever, chest pains or coughing with thick, yellow-green mucus.

If you are sick with flu like symptoms, please stay home from school or work for at least 24 hours in order to avoid making others sick.

When someone is sick in your home, avoid sharing hand towels and disinfect countertops, doorknobs, faucets, remote controls, light switches, telephones, and mobile devices.  

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), everyone who is at least six months of age or older should get the flu vaccine every year. For the 2017-18 season, CDC recommends use of the flu shot instead of the nasal spray flu vaccine.

Since flu viruses change all the time, even when the viruses the vaccine protects against have changed, getting vaccinated may make your illness milder if you do get sick. A common misconception is that the flu shot can cause the flu, but that’s not true – you cannot get the flu from a flu shot. It takes about two weeks after vaccination for antibodies to develop in the body and provide protection against the flu.  Get a flu vaccine now if you haven’t already!

Getting vaccinated is especially important for the following groups:

  • Anyone with certain medical conditions including asthma, diabetes, heart disease, and chronic lung disease.
  • Pregnant women
  • Young children over the age of six months
  • Anyone 65 years of age and older.
  • Anyone who lives with or cares for others who are at high risk of developing serious complications.

Flu vaccine availability can be found at texasflu.org or by contacting your healthcare provider.  For additional information, visit our website at www.hcphtx.org.