It’s not too soon to begin preparing for flu season. Manitowoc County Health Officer Mary Halada tells SeehaferNews.com that the flu vaccine is recommended for anyone six months of age and older. “Some flu vaccines only have three strains of flu in them, and some have four,” she explained. “If you are seeking the flu vaccine out at your provider’s office, just make sure you ask for the vaccine with the four strains in it.”
Halada says flu season can begin as soon as October, but last year it began a little later. “In January we started getting reports of influenza hospitalizations, and those reports actually kept coming in really hard until the end of April.”
The local health official adds that over the last two to three years only about 50 percent of adults in Manitowoc County got vaccinated. Deaths are recorded from influenza every year in Manitowoc County, so she advises that everyone gets vaccinated.
Common symptoms of influenza include fever chills and body aches. Additional preventive measures include washing your hands with soap and lukewarm water for at least 20 seconds, avoid hand contact with your mouth and eyes, get plenty of rest and consume a healthy diet. If you become sick please see your doctor immediately and stay home until you feel better. For more information contact the Manitowoc County Health Department at 683-4155.
