Health Department says everyone over six months of age should pursue the protection
The staff of the Florida Department of Health in Sarasota County (DOH-Sarasota) is encouraging everyone over six months of age, including pregnant women, to get a flu vaccine early in the season “as the best defense against seasonal flu,” a news release says.
“Pregnant women are at risk of miscarriage, hospitalization and even death if they get the flu,” the release points out. “Health care providers, children under age 5, those living with chronic health conditions, and healthy people should also get vaccinated,” the release adds.
“The flu vaccine cannot give you the flu. Only one dose of vaccine is needed for most people,” says Dr. William Heymann, medical director for the Florida Department of Health in Sarasota County, in the release. “You can expect to have immunity within two weeks of vaccination. The protection you get from the vaccine will continue throughout the flu season,” he adds in the release.
In addition to getting a flu shot, the public is encouraged to follow the following everyday preventive actions to stop the spread of germs:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand cleaner.
- Cough in your arm, not on your bare hands.
- Stay at home when you are sick.
For more information about flu and flu vaccines, visit www.sarasotahealth.org or call the DOH-Sarasota Flu Information Line: 861-2800. Flu shot providers may be found on the website: http://flushot.healthmap.org/