January 25, 2018
DOH-Leon REMINDS YOU TO TAKE
PRECAUTIONS THIS FLU SEASON
Contact:
Chris Tittel
Christopher.Tittel@FLHealth.gov
(305) 924-6839 / (850) 606-8190
Tallahassee – Flu activity is on the rise across the United States. The latest weekly Florida Flu Review (covering the week of Jan. 14-20) notes flu activity statewide is “high.” In Leon County, flu activity is “moderate.” To see the latest weekly statewide flu reviews, visit www.flhealth.gov.
DOH-Leon urges anyone who has not yet received a flu vaccination to do so now. There are still weeks of flu activity to come. It is not too late to get your flu vaccination. The flu vaccine is safe and recommended for everyone six months and older, including pregnant women.
Flu vaccines can vary in effectiveness from season to season, but they continue to be the best way to prevent influenza infection and serious influenza complications. To locate a flu vaccination near you, contact your health care provider or use DOH’s flu shot locator: www.flhealth.gov/findaflushot
DOH-Leon’s Roberts and Stevens Clinic has flu vaccines available, including for underinsured and uninsured clients, located at 1515 Old Bainbridge Road. Immunization walk-in hours are Mon-Fri 8-11 am and Mon-Thurs 1-4 pm. From Jan. 30 (Tuesday) through Feb. 15, the clinic will also have extended walk-in flu clinic hours on Tuesdays and Thursdays 4:00-6:30 pm. For additional information, please contact (850) 606-8020.
If you become ill with flu-like symptoms, contact your health care provider as soon as possible. Your health care provider can prescribe antiviral treatment if appropriate. Treatment is most effective when started within 48 hours, so calling as soon as you become ill is important, especially if you or your loved one is at a higher risk for complications: children younger than 5, adults over the age of 65, pregnant women and those with underlying medical conditions.
Stay home from work and keep children home from school or daycare when sick to help prevent spreading the flu to others. It is also essential to practice good hygiene by properly and frequently washing your hands. Make it a habit to clean and disinfect commonly used surfaces in your home, school or office. You can take additional steps to ward off the flu by coughing or sneezing into a tissue or your elbow and avoiding touching your face.
Visit FluFreeFlorida.com for more information on how you can be a part of #FluFreeFlorida. Visit www.floridahealth.gov/floridaflu for more information on influenza and influenza-like illness in Florida.
About the Florida Department of Health
The department, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, works to protect, promote, and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.
Follow us on Twitter at @HealthyFla and on Facebook. For more information about the Florida Department of Health, please visit www.FloridaHealth.gov.
