Thursday, November 2, 2017

Starke County Public Health Nurse Provides Tips for Flu Season

Posted on November 2, 2017
Author Jacque Ryan, WKVI

Flu season is officially upon us and getting a flu shot is the best way to protect yourself from coming down with the most common strains of the disease.

Each year, influenza viruses are spread around the United States through coughing, sneezing, and close contact. The sickness can strike suddenly and last for several days. Symptoms vary by age but typically include a runny or stuffy nose, head and muscle aches, fatigue, fever or chills, a sore throat and coughing.

Starke County Health Department Public Health Nurse Frank Lynch has a few helpful tips to ensure citizens stay healthy this time of year.

“It is flu season so as usual, you want to wash your hands and stay home if you’re sick.” He explained, “Flu shots are available here at the health department. Kids that are on Medicaid or don’t have health insurance, the flu shots are free, as far as for adults it’s $20 for a flu shot.”

He added that though the shot does protect against the strains that the Center for Disease Control determines to be the most prevalent for a given year, it doesn’t protect against all strains. He also mentioned that contrary to popular belief, there are no live viruses in the vaccine so they cannot cause the flu.

He wants people to be aware that the effects of the shot are not immediate. There is usually a 2 week period where your body is building up immunity so if you were exposed to a flu virus before you were vaccinated or within that window of time, there is a chance you could exhibit symptoms.

For more information call the Starke County Health Department at 574-772-9137.

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