The original item was published from January 17, 2017 11:44 AM to January 17, 2017 11:45 AM
SEPARATING FLU FACT FROM FICTION
Whether in your home or out in the community, you’ve probably heard the sniffs, sneezes, coughs and groans that signal the arrival of flu season. Because influenza is so easily spread among family, friends and colleagues, it’s important to separate fact from fiction so that you can be protected.
We asked our Immunizations Staff to help dispel the Top Five Myths of Influenza, including:
- A flu shot gives you the flu.
- I got a flu shot last year, so I won’t need one now.
- The flu is just like a bad cold, so I'll be fine.
- I'm healthy - so I don't need to take preventative actions.
- The only way I can protect myself is with a flu shot.
Fight the Flu
Even though flu season is among us, it’s not too late to take precautions. A flu vaccine is the best way to keep you from becoming sick – but there are other effective steps you can take to prevent the illness, including:
- Limit close contact with others.
- Wash hands regularly with clean water and soap.
- Cover your mouth whenever you sneeze or cough.
- Throw away soiled tissues.
- Stay home for at least 24 hours after a fever subsides.
We ALL Play a Role
Preventing the flu is a community-wide effort. Along with individuals taking steps to prevent the spread, medical providers report the incidence of positive cases each week to the health department to help track the illness in our community. The Division of Health Services compiles this information and issues a weekly report on the number of diagnosed cases. This report is available for viewing on our
website or on social media through the Department of Public Health’s
Facebook and
Twitter accounts.