Nashua Division Of Public Health Wants To Help You Avoid The Flu

NASHUA, NH — The Nashua Division of Public Health and Community Services is urging each city resident six months older to consider getting a flu shot this winter. The city is offering flu vaccines on Tuesdays from 4 to 7 pm. and Fridays from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the DPHCS clinic on Mulberry Street as part of an attempt to keep this year's outbreak as minimal as possible.

Greater Nashua Public Health Network Program Assistant Nicole Viau also offered a series of tips to city residents on how to reduce the chances of contracting the influenza virus.

"If you do get sick, call your medical provider," Viau said in a statement. "Antiviral drugs are prescription medicines that can be used to treat flu illness. They can shorten your illness and make it milder, and they can prevent serious complications that could result in a hospital stay. Make sure you get plenty of rest and drink enough fluids. If you get sick, stay home from school and/or work to prevent spreading the illness to others."

Flu symptoms include fever, cough, sore through, runny or stuff nose, body aches, headaches, chills and feeling tired. When someone coughs, sneezes or talk, the flu virus spreads. It can also spread through touching something with the flu virus on it and then touching their mouths, eye or nose.

Viau said the flu vaccine is the best way to protect yourself and your family from the flu. Because the vaccines may be updated from one season to the next to keep up with new strains, it is suggested the people get vaccinated each year. Viau said flu vaccines are made using strict safety and production measures.

"In addition to getting a flu vaccine, everyone should take everyday actions to help prevent the spread of germs," she said. "It is essential to practice good hand hygiene by properly and frequently washing your hands. Make it a habit to clean and disinfect commonly used surfaces in the home, school, or office. Always cough or sneeze into a tissue or elbow and avoid touching your face.

Visit www.cdc.com/flu for tips on staying healthy during flu season. For more information on DPHCS flu vaccines please call 603-589-4500.