Health Officials Encourage Flu Vaccination to Prevent Illness

[Ashe County, NC] – Health officials with AppHealthCare are encouraging people to receive the flu vaccine to prevent illness. The CDC recommends yearly vaccination against the flu for everyone 6 months and older.

Flu infections are most common from late fall to early spring in North Carolina. Peak activity usually occurs in January or February, although it can’t be predicted exactly when it will happen.

“It is important to receive the flu vaccine in order to protect you and your loved ones during the flu season. The best way to prevent the spread of flu is to get the flu vaccine. You can call AppHealthCare to schedule an appointment or see your healthcare provider,” stated Jennifer Greene, Health Director, AppHealthCare.

According to studies cited by the CDC, vaccination against the flu can:

• Protect people who are at greater risk of becoming seriously ill from flu, like older adults, pregnant women, people with chronic health conditions (including obesity) and young children
• Make illness milder and reduce the risk of more serious outcomes
• Protect pregnant women and their developing babies

People should take the following precautions to protect against the spread of flu and other viruses:

• Stay home when sick until fever-free for at least 24 hours
• Wash hands frequently with soap and water
• Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue and then discard the tissue promptly

What are the symptoms of the flu? (Source: cdc.gov/flu)

• A fever of 100.4F/38C degrees or higher or feeling feverish (not everyone with the flu has a fever)
• A cough and/or sore throat
• A runny or stuffy nose
• Headaches and/or body aches
• Chills
• Fatigue
• Nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhea (most common in children)

To learn more about flu, visit http://flu.nc.gov. This website will be updated weekly during flu season by the NC Division of Public Health with the most current flu related data.

To make an appointment with AppHealthCare, call (336) 246-9449.

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