Still Not too Late to Fight the Flu!
Monday January 13, 2020
Did you get your flu shot this year? We’re right in the midst of flu season, so if you haven’t gotten it yet, the Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency is reminding you that it is not too late!
“An annual seasonal flu vaccine is the best way to help protect against flu,” says Kali Nichols, Director of Personal Health and Disease Prevention. “Vaccination has been shown to have many benefits including reducing the risk of flu illnesses, hospitalizations and even the risk of flu-related death in children.” The 2017-2018 flu season was the most severe in a decade. While only moderate in severity, the 2018-2019 season was record-breaking in duration, with flu activity remaining elevated for 21 weeks. So far during the current flu season Michigan is ranked number 2 in the number of flu cases, and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that nationally there have been:
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Over 6 million flu illnesses
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55,000 hospitalizations due to flu
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And about 4,500 flu-related deaths
Most people who get sick with flu will have mild illness, will not need medical care or antiviral drugs and will recover in less than two weeks. Some people, however, are more likely to get flu complications that can result in hospitalization and sometimes death. Pneumonia, bronchitis, sinus infections and ear infections are examples of flu-related complications. Flu also can make chronic health problems worse. For example, people with asthma may experience asthma attacks while they have flu and people with chronic congestive heart failure may experience a worsening of this condition triggered by flu. “The single best way to prevent seasonal flu is to get vaccinated each year, but good health habits like covering your cough and washing your hands often can help stop the spread of germs and prevent respiratory illnesses like the flu,” says Nichols.
Are you ready to schedule your appointment?? Call your local health department and get vaccinated now!
Branch County:
Coldwater - Monday immunization clinics – call 517-279-9561 ext. 100
Hillsdale County:
Hillsdale - Wednesday immunization clinics – call 517-437-7395 ext. 336
St. Joseph County:
Three Rivers - Tuesday immunization clinics – call 269-273-2161 ext. 208
Sturgis – Friday immunization clinics – call 269-273-2161 ext. 208
The Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency is committed to promoting wellness, preventing disease, providing health care, and protecting the environment.