As Kane County Board Chairman Chris Lauzen shows us, it’s time your flu shot. Kane County Health Department Public Health Nurse Kathy Swedberg recently visited Lauzen in his office for his annual influenza vaccination.

The flu season runs from October through the end of April, and we usually see the most flu activity in January and February. The trouble is the “peak” can be unpredictable, sometimes coming earlier, sometimes later. Flu vaccine provided now will give protection throughout the season. Influenza affects everyone differently; Even healthy individuals can get the flu, and it can be serious. By being vaccinated, you can protect yourself from influenza and help to prevent spreading it to others.

Influenza (flu) is a contagious respiratory disease that infects the nose, throat, and lungs and can lead to serious complications (examples include Pneumonia and bronchitis), hospitalization or even death. Influenza is spread by coughing, sneezing or nasal secretions.

Anyone can get influenza, but rates of infection are highest among children. The symptoms include fever, sore throat, chills, fatigue, cough, headache and muscle aches. Flu vaccinations are available at your primary-care provider and many local pharmacies.

Even if you were vaccinated last year it is important to get an annual flu shot because: Flu viruses are constantly changing and flu vaccines are usually updated from one season to the next to protect against the most recent and most commonly circulating viruses.  A person’s immune protection from vaccination declines over time and annual vaccination is needed for optimal protection.

Individuals with the following conditions are highly encouraged to get an annual flu shot:

• Young Children
• Pregnant women
• Individuals who care for children younger than 6 months of age
• People with chronic health conditions: such as heart, lung or, diabetes, or a weakened immune system.
• Healthcare workers
• People 65 years of age and older

In addition to receiving your flu vaccine, you can take these everyday preventative actions to help stop the spread of germs and prevent the flu:

• Clean your hands:  Wash your hands with soap and warm water after coughing,
  sneezing or using the bathroom.
• Cover your nose and mouth:  Use a tissue when coughing or sneezing, if you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve or elbow—not your hands.
• Contain your germs:  Stay home if you have the flu. If you have fever or chills
  and a cough or sore throat, call your doctor.

More information about the flu, including a flu shot locator link, is available by visiting the Health Department’s website by clicking here.

SOURCE: Kane County Health Department