With flu season around the corner we wanted to share this article from the NC Division of Public Health:
In 2009 a new flu virus began spreading around the world and triggered the first flu pandemic in 40 years. The 2009 H1N1 flu virus caused thousands of hospitalizations and deaths in the U.S. It hasn’t gone away. Health experts expect the virus to continue circulating in the U.S.this fall and winter.
Because of that, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends everyone six months of age and older get vaccinated against the flu.
Flu vaccine makers will include protection from 2009 H1N1 virus in this year’s seasonal flu vaccine. So only one vaccination is necessary for most people. As usual, children under 9 years of age who haven’t been vaccinated against the flu in the past will need two doses of flu vaccine.
A new high dose flu vaccine is available for people age 65 years and older. The high dose flu vaccine is four times stronger than regular flu vaccine and may increase the immune response in people 65 years of age and older. The high dose flu vaccine is safe; however the CDC has not indicated a preference for its use over regular flu vaccine at this time.
In addition to vaccination, the N.C. Division of Public Health encourages you to continue practicing health habits to protect yourself from flu viruses:
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
- Stay home if you are sick. You should stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone, except to get medical care or for other necessities. Your fever should be gone without the use of fever-reducing medicine.
Please, this flu season:
Protect Yourself. Protect Your Family. Protect Your Co-workers.
Get Your Flu Vaccine
