Seasonal Influenza
The Flu is a respiratory illness that is caused by INFLUENZA viruses; these viruses infect the throat, nose and lungs and are highly contagious.  Some symptoms of Flu are fever, chills, cough, runny nose, stuffy nose, sore throat, muscle aches, body aches, fatigue and headache. Some people may have all of these symptoms or just some of these symptoms.

Transmission of Flu virus can happen when a person coughs or sneezes and droplets are inhaled by another.  The Flu virus can also be spread by touching a surface that has infected droplets on it and then touching your eyes, nose or mouth. The human flu virus can live for two to eight hours on a surface.
Your best defense against the flu is to get a flu vaccination.

What are the benefits of flu vaccination?
  • Flu vaccination can keep you from getting sick from flu. Protecting yourself from flu also protects the people around you who are more vulnerable to serious flu illness.
  • Flu vaccination can help protect people who are at greater risk of getting seriously ill from flu, like older adults, people with chronic health conditions and young children (especially infants younger than 6 months old who are too young to get vaccinated).
  • Flu vaccination also may make your illness milder if you do get sick.
  • Flu vaccination can reduce the risk of more serious flu outcomes, like hospitalizations and deaths.
When will flu activity begin and when will it peak?
The timing of flu is very unpredictable and can vary in different parts of the country and from season to season. Most seasonal flu activity typically occurs between October and May. Flu activity most commonly peaks in the United States between December and February.
When should I get vaccinated?
CDC recommends that people get vaccinated against flu soon after vaccine becomes available, if possible by October. It takes about two weeks after vaccination for antibodies to develop in the body and provide protection against the flu.

Doctors and nurses are encouraged to begin vaccinating their patients soon after vaccine becomes available, preferably by October so as not to miss opportunities to vaccinate. Those children aged 6 months through 8 years who need two doses of vaccine should receive the first dose as soon as possible to allow time to get the second dose before the start of flu season. The two doses should be given at least four weeks apart.
What can I do to defend myself from contracting the Influenza virus?
  1.  Get a yearly Flu shot
  2. Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  3. Stay HOME from work or school if you are sick.
  4. Cover your mouth and nose when coughing/ sneezing. Teach children the proper way to cover their mouth when they sneeze or cough by coughing/sneezing into your elbow.
  5. Soap and water are a good defense against the Flu and other illnesses.  Wash hands for at least 20 seconds for best results.  Visit the CDC Handwashing page to find out more. 
  6. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
  7. Eat a healthy diet, rest, be physically active, drink plenty of fluids, stop smoking or better yet don’t start.

Where can I get a flu vaccine?
Flu vaccines are offered by many doctor’s offices, clinics, health departments, pharmacies and college health centers, as well as by many employers, and even by some schools.

The Monongalia County Health Department provides Influenza vaccines for children (6 months old and up) and adults.  This year we are offering adults 65 and older the new high dose vaccine that has been specifically formulated for seniors.  To schedule an appointment for a Flu shot call 304-598-5119. 

MCHD participates in The Vaccines For Children (VFC) Program.  VFC provides vaccines at no cost to children who might not otherwise be vaccinated because of inability to pay.

Please visit our Immunization Program page for more information about the wide range of vaccines available at the health department.

Resources:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - Flu and You
Flu.gov