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The Health Department is now taking appointments for flu vaccine.
Please call 610-344-6252 to make an appointment.
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The information below pertains to the seasonal flu, not H1N1 flu.
Annual outbreaks of the seasonal flu usually occur in late fall through early spring. Most people have natural immunity, but the best way to protect yourself from seasonal flu is to get the vaccine. In a typical year, approximately 5-20% of the population gets the seasonal flu and approximately 36,000 will die from the flu.
Symptoms
fever
coughing
sore throat
runny or stuffy nose
headache
body aches
chills
fatigue |
| High Risk Groups for the Seasonal Flu
- people age 65 and older
- children younger than 2 years old
- people of any age who have chronic medical conditions (e.g. diabetes, asthma, congestive heart failure, lung disease)
Prevention - Help protect yourself from the flu by following these guidelines:
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners can be used when soap and water are not available.
Avoid contact with sick people.
If you are sick, stay home for 7 days after your symptoms begin or until you have been symptom-free for 24 hours, whichever is longer. This is to keep from infecting others and spreading the virus further.
Follow public health advice regarding school closures, avoiding crowds and other social distancing measures.
Links
Stay at Home Toolkit (Courtesy of the Montgomery County Health Department)
Flu Fact Sheet
Flu Activity 2008-2009
Information for Health Professionals
Content Last Modified on 1/10/2010 12:11:16 PM
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