H1N1 flu is no longer at pandemic levels, but H1N1 and other seasonal flu strains will cause illness throughout Colorado and the nation this fall and winter.The flu vaccine already is available in our community, so now is a good time to get your annual vaccination. This year’s flu vaccine includes triple protection against H1N1 flu and two other strains: H3 and B flu, which means you’ll only need one vaccination this year.The Health Department and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention now recommend a flu vaccine for anyone older than 6 months of age who does not have a contraindication to getting a vaccine. A vaccine is especially important for those most at risk for complications from flu, including children under 2 years of age; pregnant women; people with chronic health conditions such as asthma, diabetes or heart and lung disease; and people 65 years and older. Children younger than 6 months are at high risk of serious flu illness but are too young to be vaccinated, so people who care for them should be vaccinated to prevent the spread of flu.Check with your health care provider to see when the vaccine will be available at the provider’s office.Pharmacies may be a good choice for adults to receive vaccination, but some do not vaccinate children under age 10, so check with the pharmacy before you make the trip. A flu vaccine locator is available on the Health Department Web site at www.elpasocountyhealth.org. This locator provides details about locations, cost and more.Flu is a respiratory illness caused by germs that are spread person-to-person through coughs and sneezes of infected people. Sometimes people get infected by touching surfaces or items contaminated with flu germs and then touching their mouth or nose without washing their hands.Flu symptoms usually include fever, headache, extreme tiredness, cough, sore throat, runny nose and body aches; children can also experience vomiting or diarrhea. Flu can lead to serious complications such as pneumonia and can make other conditions such as asthma and heart disease worse.The Health Department will not be offering free flu vaccination clinics in the community this year because the pandemic has ended. However, children who are eligible for the Vaccine for Children Program may receive flu vaccine at the Health Department located at 301 S. Union Blvd., and adults coming to our international Travel Clinic can obtain flu vaccine during their clinic visit.Take these steps to protect yourself and your family from flu:
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, or cough into your sleeve. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it; then wash your hands.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread this way.
- Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
- While sick, limit contact with others as much as possible to keep from infecting them.
- If you are sick with flu-like illness, stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities.
