Influenza activity is on the rise and County Health is strongly encouraging residents to get the flu shot. Getting vaccinated against the flu can reduce flu illnesses and prevent flu-related hospitalizations or unnecessary trips to the emergency room. Residents are encouraged to visit their primary care physician or urgent care if they have flu symptoms. If you go to the emergency room and you are not sick with the flu, you may catch it from people who do have it. “It is not too late to get your flu shot,” urges Dr. Maxwell Ohikhuare. “Influenza activity reaches its highest levels between December and February, and may continue through May.”
A flu vaccine is the first and best way to protect yourself and the people around you from influenza and its potentially serious complications. Once vaccinated, it takes about two weeks before you are fully protected against the flu. Influenza vaccine is especially important for pregnant women and people at higher risk of developing serious complications.
If you become ill, take actions to stop the spread of germs, including: Stay home when you are sick;
Cover your coughs and sneezes;
Wash your hands with soap/water;
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
For more information: http://www.cdc.gov/flu.
For information on where to get a Flu shot, call the County of San Bernardino, Department of Public Health, at 1-800-722-4777.
