Spring Break
Flu season has arrived
Run for your lives!!
Eva Vasquez
Issue date: 10/23/08 Section: News
If you haven't already heard, it's almost Flu Season; run for your lives.
We all know those tall tale signs of the flu that catch us off guard every winter as we are going about our busy lives. If you have been unfortunate enough to catch this bug then you are familiar with the experience of having to put everything on hold in order to lay in bed with a blistering fever and a cough which rattles your brain as you pray for relief.
Despite the spirit of anxiety in air, there is no need to get too worked up about this year's Flu Season.
On the other hand, everyone should take the precautions he or she sees necessary to avoid being afflicted with the inconvenient illness. According to statements issued by the Oconee County Health Department, the average flu season lasts from November through May, but typically peaks during January and February. As long as you know what you need to know about Influenza and how to avoid it, no one should have to suffer the wrath of this virus.
Two convenient places to get the flu vaccine are the Oconee County Health Department and any Kroger Pharmacy. It is important to note that pharmacists now need a prescription to administer the vaccine. Both the Health Department and the Kroger Pharmacy charge $25 for the vaccine.
Program Assistant at the Oconee Health Department, Beck Lumpkin, explained that the price of the vaccine is the same as last year and there will be no groups receiving special priority or discounts. The Health Department began issuing the vaccine on October 6 which will continue throughout the season.
There are two forms of the vaccine: the inactivated vaccine, given by injection into the muscle, and the live influenza vaccine which is sprayed into the nostrils. So those of you who have a problem with needles have nothing to worry about.
The Pharmacy at Kroger states that the vaccine "will reduce your risk up to 90 percent." The Health Department warns that for people that "are moderately or severely ill [it would be wise] to wait until they recover before getting the flu vaccine." Flu vaccines take about two weeks to develop and last up to a year, so you are protected for the entire flu season.
If you would like more information before getting the vaccine, both Kroger and The Oconee County Health Department have hand-outs with information regarding the vaccine or you can visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, or CDC's website at www.cdc.gov/flu.
We all know those tall tale signs of the flu that catch us off guard every winter as we are going about our busy lives. If you have been unfortunate enough to catch this bug then you are familiar with the experience of having to put everything on hold in order to lay in bed with a blistering fever and a cough which rattles your brain as you pray for relief.
Despite the spirit of anxiety in air, there is no need to get too worked up about this year's Flu Season.
On the other hand, everyone should take the precautions he or she sees necessary to avoid being afflicted with the inconvenient illness. According to statements issued by the Oconee County Health Department, the average flu season lasts from November through May, but typically peaks during January and February. As long as you know what you need to know about Influenza and how to avoid it, no one should have to suffer the wrath of this virus.
Two convenient places to get the flu vaccine are the Oconee County Health Department and any Kroger Pharmacy. It is important to note that pharmacists now need a prescription to administer the vaccine. Both the Health Department and the Kroger Pharmacy charge $25 for the vaccine.
Program Assistant at the Oconee Health Department, Beck Lumpkin, explained that the price of the vaccine is the same as last year and there will be no groups receiving special priority or discounts. The Health Department began issuing the vaccine on October 6 which will continue throughout the season.
There are two forms of the vaccine: the inactivated vaccine, given by injection into the muscle, and the live influenza vaccine which is sprayed into the nostrils. So those of you who have a problem with needles have nothing to worry about.
The Pharmacy at Kroger states that the vaccine "will reduce your risk up to 90 percent." The Health Department warns that for people that "are moderately or severely ill [it would be wise] to wait until they recover before getting the flu vaccine." Flu vaccines take about two weeks to develop and last up to a year, so you are protected for the entire flu season.
If you would like more information before getting the vaccine, both Kroger and The Oconee County Health Department have hand-outs with information regarding the vaccine or you can visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, or CDC's website at www.cdc.gov/flu.
Be the first to comment on this story