It’s not too late to protect yourself and your loved ones from the flu, and the flu vaccine is the best way to do it. The Ionia County Health Department (ICHD) is encouraging everyone to get vaccinated this season.

The flu is an infection of the nose, throat, and lungs that is caused by influenza virus that spreads easily from person to person. Most people with flu are sick for about a week, and then feel better.

 

However, some people, especially young children, pregnant women, older people, and people with chronic health problems, can get very sick and some can die.

Most people with the flu feel tired and have fever, headache, dry cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, and sore muscles.

 

Flu shots are available at the Ionia County Health Department; call 616-527-5341 for more information. //

 

Prevent the spread of germs with steps that include:

1. Wash your hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub often, especially after using

tissues or coughing/sneezing into your hands.

2. Cough or sneeze into your arm or shoulder, not your hands.

3. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth unless your hands are clean.

4. Stay home if you get sick. Stay at home until you have been free of fever (100°F or 37.8° C), or signs of a fever, for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication.

5. Contact your doctor with any questions or concerns.

 

Everyone six months or older should get the flu vaccine and now is a good time to get them.  For more on the flu, go to the CDC’s website www.cdc.gov/flu