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Flu makes appearance in Hillsdale County

Wednesday October 3, 2018

With an early start to the flu season, the Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency is encouraging all tri-county residents to protect themselves by getting flu shots.

There have been 10 cases of the flu confirmed thus far in Hillsdale County. Rebecca Burns, Health Officer for the tri-county health department states, “The availability and affordability of the vaccine make it easier than ever to protect yourself and your family.” Yvonne Atwood, Director of Personal Health and Disease Prevention adds, “We are encouraging everyone over the age of 6 months to get the flu shot, including pregnant women and the elderly. In particular, school-age children who are highly susceptible to catching the virus. Reducing the spread of the disease is especially crucial in our schools. Children who receive a flu shot are helping to create healthier classrooms and prevent missed days of school.”

If your child is 18 years or younger, uninsured, lacks immunization coverage as part of their health insurance policy or are covered by Healthy Michigan or some other form of Medicaid, he/she is eligible to receive their shot free of charge through the Vaccines For Children Program. According to Atwood, “Now more than ever, getting a flu shot is both easy and affordable. Manufacturers have begun shipping flu vaccines for the 2018-2019 flu season, so please call the health department to find out more and to schedule your appointment.” People who should especially receive the flu vaccine, because they may be at higher risk for complications or negative consequences, include:

In addition to the flu vaccine, be sure to take everyday preventive actions to stop the spread of germs.

The timing and duration of flu season varies, but can begin as early as September and last as late as May. It takes about two weeks for immunity to develop and offer protection against flu after receiving a vaccine. Vaccination can be given any time during the flu season, but the CDC recommends getting it before the end of October. Infection with the flu virus can cause fever, headache, cough, sore throat, runny nose, sneezing and body aches.

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