Sept. 08--DECATUR -- With chilly fall and winter months fast approaching, flu season is barreling toward us, too. But influenza doesn't have to turn your home or office into a miserable cacophony of hacking and sniffling.
A flu shot is the most important way people can protect against the illness, the Illinois Department of Public Health said. And although this year's flu season is not expected to be like last year's pandemic, getting vaccinated is still important.
This year, the vaccine, is recommended for everyone 6 months and older, according to the public health department and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Those being vaccinated will only need one shot or dose of nasal mist, which will protect against the H1N1 strain as well as two other seasonal strains. Children under 9 who have not been vaccinated before will still need two doses, the public health department said.
"Every flu season is different, and people are affected by the flu differently," Public Health Director Dr. Damon T. Arnold said. "Even healthy adults can become very sick from the flu. There are some people who cannot be vaccinated, such as babies younger than 6 months and those who are allergic to the vaccine. That's why it is important for those of us who can get our influenza vaccine to do so and protect those vulnerable populations who could become seriously ill."
Some people, such as young children, pregnant women, people with chronic conditions and those 65 and older, are at a higher risk for serious complications from the flu and should definitely consider vaccination, the IDPH recommended. Influenza vaccine, which is covered by Medicare, Medicaid and some insurance companies, is starting to arrive in the state and will be available at local health departments, doctors' offices, health clinics, hospitals and pharmacies.
It's not too early to get the vaccine, the public health department recommended. Those vaccinated in September are protected throughout flu season, which typically runs from October through May, peaking in January.
Public health officials stressed the message of "clean, cover, contain," three more ways people can avoid spreading the flu. Wash hands frequently, cover coughs and sneezes, and stay at home when you are sick, they advised.
agetsinger@herald-review.com 421-6968
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