Seasonal Flu Vaccinations
The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. The best way to prevent the flu is by getting a flu vaccination each year.
Every year in the United States, on average:
- Five to 20 percent of the population gets the flu
- More than 200,000 people are hospitalized from flu-related complications; and
- About 36,000 people die from flu-related causes.
Some people, such as older people, young children, and people with certain health conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease), are at high risk for serious flu complications.
Symptoms of Flu
- High fever
- Headache
- Extreme tiredness
- Dry cough
- Sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Muscle aches
- Stomach symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, also can occur but are more common in children than adults
How Flu Spreads
Flu viruses are thought to spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing of people with influenza. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose. Most healthy adults may be able to infect others beginning one day before symptoms develop and up to five days after becoming sick. That means that you may be able to pass on the flu to someone else before you know you are sick, as well as while you are sick.
Preventing the Flu: Good Health Habits Help Stop Germs
The single best way to prevent seasonal flu is to get vaccinated each year, but good health habits like covering your cough and washing your hands often can help stop the spread of germs and prevent respiratory illnesses like the flu. There also are flu antiviral drugs that can be used to treat and prevent the flu.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.
- If possible, stay home from work, school, and do not run errands when you are sick.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick.
- Washing your hands often will help protect you from getting and spreading germs.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.
- Practice other good health habits. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.
Who should get seasonal flu vaccine?
Anyone six months and older should be vaccinated against the flu annually.
Which form of the vaccine (shot or nasal spray) should I receive?
There are two forms of the vaccine:
- Intranasal (FluMist)
- Injectable (needle)
You should get FluMist if you are healthy and:
- 2 through 49 years of age, not pregnant and do not have underlying health problems
You should get the injectable vaccine if you are:
- Pregnant
- A person with underlying health problems
- A child between 6-23 months and anyone 50 and older
Where can I get a seasonal flu vaccination?
The Baltimore County Department of Health is offering free flumist vaccinations and limited injectable vaccine on the following dates:
Date: Monday, January 9 through Friday, January 13, 2012
Time: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Locations:
Locations:
Drumcastle Government Center
6401 York Road, 3rd Floor
Baltimore, MD 21212
Baltimore Highlands - Lansdowne Health Center
3902 Annapolis Road
Baltimore, MD 21227
Dundalk Health Center
7700 Dunmanway
Baltimore, MD 21222
Eastern Family Resource Center
9100 Franklin Square Drive
Baltimore, MD 21237
Essex Health Center
1538 Country Ridge Lane
Baltimore, MD 21221
Hannah More Health Center
12035 Reisterstown Road
Reisterstown, MD 21136
Liberty Family Resource Center
3525 Resource Drive
Randallstown, MD 21133
Woodlawn Health Center
1811 Woodlawn Drive
Baltimore, MD 21207
For additional information about the flu clinic schedule, call 410-887-BCHD (2243)
What can I do to protect myself and my family from seasonal flu?
Residents are encouraged to remember the flu FACTS in order to prevent the spread of contagious viruses, including seasonal flu:
- Frequently wash your hands with soap and water
- Always get an annual flu shot
- Cover your cough and sneeze
- Take time off if you have symptoms
- Seek care if your symptoms get worse
Where can I get more information?
For the most up-to-date information visit www.flu.gov.
Revised January 4, 2012
