Everyone six months and older advised to get vaccinated
Mid-Michigan District Health Department (MMDHD) officials would like to remind residents that the flu season is once again upon us and that it’s better to “Get a shot and not the flu!”
If you’ve ever had the flu you know it’s an illness you’d rather avoid at all costs. Many flu sufferers find themselves confined to bed for up to one week with high fever, headache, extreme tiredness, dry cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose and muscle aches. While the flu is no doubt miserable, for many it can turn deadly.
Each year, complications from flu illness lead to everything from a loss of workplace productivity to death. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), every year in the United States, on average, more than 200,000 are hospitalized as a result of flu complications and about 36,000 die from the flu.
According to Dr. Robert Graham, Medical Director for the Mid-Michigan District Health Department (MMDHD), one person infected with the flu can potentially infect up to 15 others. The best way to prevent influenza and its potentially life-threatening complications is for everyone, including healthy people, age six months and older, to get vaccinated. For those at high risk for developing serious flu complications, such as older people, young children, and people with certain health conditions, vaccination is especially important.
The 2013-2014 flu vaccine will protect against three different types of flu viruses: Influenza A (H3N2), influenza B, and H1N1. It is effective throughout the entire flu season, which can begin as early as October and last as late as May. Contrary to what some may think, receiving the flu vaccine does not “give” the person the flu. Some people do experience minor side effects, which most commonly include nasal congestion and runny nose.
The vaccine is available at a variety of places, including your doctor’s office, many pharmacies, or the following MMDHD locations:
Clinton County Branch Office
1307 E. Townsend Road, St. Johns
Please call to schedule an appointment, verify insurance coverage, or inquire about vaccine cost at 989-224-2195.