The flu is more dangerous than the common cold for children, and the single best way to prevent the flu is to get a flu vaccine each year. Late summer or early fall are the best times to get the flu vaccine to reduce your chances of getting sick with the flu. Getting a flu vaccination is now much easier than most of the tasks parents pack into their busy days.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends everyone 6 months of age and older receive a flu vaccine.Flu shots are now available at Public Healthís Immunization Clinic for children who are uninsured or under insured ages 6 months through 18 years. The charge for a vaccine is $14. To schedule an appointment, call the clinic at (719) 578-3199 from 8 to 11:50 a.m. and from 1 to 3:50 p.m., Monday through Friday.The flu vaccine is also available at many doctorsí offices and at a variety of pharmacy locations throughout El Paso County. For a flu clinic locator, visit http://elpasocountyhealth.org.An annual immunization boosts your immune system and is the first and most important step in protecting yourself against this serious disease.There are flu vaccine products available in different forms, including traditional vaccinations and nasal spray, to assist health care providers in administering vaccines to everyone.Influenza in the United States typically arrives in the late fall and peaks from late January to mid-March. During last yearís flu season, 45 people were hospitalized for flu-related illnesses in El Paso County.Symptoms of the flu can include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills, fatigue and sometimes vomiting and diarrhea. Some people with the flu will not have a fever.Here are some tips to help stop the spread of germs at home, work and school:
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water to help protect yourself from germs. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread this way.
