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Politics & Government

Did You Get Your Flu Shot Yet?

The Kane County Health Department reminds residents that it's National Influenza Vaccination Awareness Week.

Dec. 2 to Dec. 8 is National Influenza Vaccination Week, and the Kane County Health Department reminds residents about the importance of getting an annual flu shot to protect yourself before the holidays arrive.

National Influenza Vaccination Week is observed each year by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to raise awareness of the health benefits of flu shots and urge people to get vaccinated in December, January and even later, the Kane County Health Department said in a release issued Monday. Flu season can last as late as May.

A vaccination is the single best step to protect yourself, your family and friends against the flu before the start of the holiday season, the release states.

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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says there is an ample supply of flu vaccine this season throughout the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends annual flu shots for everyone 6 months and older. The vaccinations are available at many local pharmacies and at your personal physician’s office.

Flu shots also are available through one of the federally qualified health centers in Kane County. To find a location near you, please visit kanehealth.com/flu_shots.htm.

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Influenza is a serious disease that can lead to hospitalization and sometimes death. Anyone can get sick from the flu and spread the virus to others, the release states. Over the years, hundreds of millions of people in the United States have safely received seasonal flu vaccines.

The Kane County Health Department says those at high risk of serious flu complications include young children, pregnant women, people with chronic health conditions like asthma, diabetes, heart disease and lung disease, and people 65 years and older.

It’s also important to get the vaccine if you care for anyone in one or more of those high risk groups, or for babies younger than 6 months because they are too young to get the vaccine.

Kane County residents also are reminded that good health habits often can help stop the spread of germs and prevent respiratory illnesses like the flu. A good way to prevent the spread of germs and to prevent influenza is to follow the “Three C’s”: 

  • Clean your hands — after using the restroom and before eating
  • Cover your cough — by coughing or sneezing into your elbow or into a tissue
  • Contain your germs — by staying home if you are feeling sick

For more information about the flu, please Kane County Health Department’s website at  www.kanehealth.com, follow the department on Twitter @KaneCoHealth or become a fan on Facebook.

 

SOURCE: Kane County Health Department

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