San Diego County Health Officials Offer Flu Prevention Tips

SAN DIEGO COUNTY -- Planning on attending your work holiday party or other gatherings with friends and family? Make sure you don’t bring an uninvited guest: the flu.

Flu activity typically starts to increase during the holidays, so San Diego County health officials are encouraging people to get vaccinated now.

“This holiday season, spread the joy, not the flu,” said County Public Health Officer Wilma Wooten. “Parties and other celebrations create the perfect setting for the flu to spread. If you haven’t gotten a flu shot, get one now. And if you’re sick, stay home.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that everyone six months and older get a flu shot every year. Vaccination is especially important for people who are at high risk of developing serious complications from influenza. They include people with chronic medical conditions like asthma, diabetes and lung disease; pregnant women; those 65 years old or older; and people who live with or care for others who are at higher risk.

In addition to getting vaccinated, people should also do the following to avoid getting sick:

• Wash hands thoroughly and often;
• Use hand sanitizers;
• Stay away from sick people;
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth;
• Clean commonly touched surfaces;
• Stay home if you're sick, and avoid contact with others.

The flu vaccine is available at doctors’ offices and retail pharmacies. If you don’t have medical insurance, you can go to a County public health center to get vaccinated. For a list of locations, visit www.sdiz.org or call 2-1-1.

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