Still plenty of time to get vaccinated

By RENEE JEAN
Daily Journal Assistant Managing Editor

Sunday, November 16, 2008 8:06 AM CST

You’ll soon be heading over river and woods to friends and family for that perfect feast. But watch out. It’s also the perfect time to catch the flu.

“People will be traveling, there will be large groups of people getting together,” said Jane Howard, with the St. Francois County Health Department.

It’s not too late to stave off that first go-round with the flu bug by getting vaccinated. Howard said the Health Department still has plenty of vaccine available, as well as the no-shot variety, flu mist.

“It takes about two weeks to build up immunity,” she said. “So the sooner they get it done the better.”

The health department is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. The health department can either bill Medicaid or Medicare, or will accept a $20 donation.

“That is just a request,” she added. “We are not going to turn anyone away.”

Call 431-1947 for additional information.

The Health Department has so far had three flu shot clinics, one of them a drive-through.

They recommend the shots for anyone 6 months or older. Those ages 2 to 49 who do not have asthma or an immune deficiency can ask for flu mist instead of a shot.

“If we could get 50 percent of the children to get vaccinated, we could significantly reduce flu in the community by a big number,” Howard said. “It’s the kids who are spreading it.”

In addition to the flu shot or flu mist, every day precautions can help prevent the spread of this perennial illness, Howard said.

Cover the nose and mouth with something other than your hand when sneezing. A tissue, towel, or shirt sleeve will do.

Wash hands with soap and water before eating.

If you do become ill, stay away from work and school and limit your contact with others to avoid spreading the infection.

Consult a doctor about taking antiviral medication if you get sick. While not a substitute for vaccination, antiviral drugs can help make the illness milder and may make you feel better faster. They may help you avoid serious complications from flu such as pneumonia. The sooner they are taken, the more likely they are to be effective.

People older than age 65 or with chronic medical conditions such as heart disease and diabetes should also consider a pneumonia vaccine, in consultation with a doctor.

More information about flu is available from www.dhss.mo.gov/immunizations or www.dhss.mo.gov/influenza or www.cdc.gov/flu .

 

Archives Web Site Marketplace Obits Babies Jobs