Flu Shots and Staying Healthy

With the onset of colder temperatures, the dreaded cold and flu season is here. The Livingston Health Department continues to focus on helping residents stay healthy over the winter months. Staffs are in constant contact with the Center for Disease Control (CDC) to track potential outbreaks and they keep up-to-date on the latest health research and developments. State law requires that pre-school aged children receive a flu vaccination, and Township staff working closely with school nurses in flu surveillance. In addition, the Township nurses visit pre-schools in Livingston to teach students healthy habits and hygiene. And to help residents make informed decisions about health issues, staffs also provide educational programs, health clinics and fairs.

“We continually keep abreast of the latest trends in health and wellness, not just during the cold and flu season, but every day of the year,” said Janet Traettino, Public Health Nursing Supervisor. “Constant vigilance is needed in order to help keep residents safe and healthy.”

It is not always possible to prevent colds and the flu, but there are steps that residents can take to reduce the risk. For those aged 65 years+ and the very young, it is especially important to be proactive to avoid developing flu-related complications that could be fatal. Here are some simple common sense precautions to reduce the risk of infection:

1. Wash Your Hands. The most important thing you can do to prevent almost any illness is to wash your hands frequently. Washing hands reduces the risk of transmission of viruses and bacteria. It is recommended that hands be washed in warm soapy water for at least 10-15 seconds, especially after coughing or sneezing, and before eating. If you do not have access to water then use an alcohol-based disinfectant hand gel with at least 60% alcohol content.

2. Flu Vaccines are the best way to prevent the flu. Although not 100% effective, the flu shot provides very good protection against the influenza virus. Flu shots are available by appointment and are free to those aged 65+ with a Medicare card. For everyone else the cost is $20. Home visits are provided to disabled residents and those who are frail and elderly. Township nurses also provide scheduled clinics at the Senior Community Center and visit senior housing complexes with vaccinations and health education. The CDC recommends Flu Vaccinations to everyone from aged 6 months and upwards.

3. Staying Healthy Around Others. Try to avoid people who you know have a cold or flu, and stay away from crowded areas during flu season to reduce your chance of infection. This is particularly important for infants in the first few months of life. Maintain strict hygiene as cold and flu can be spread via aerosol droplets created by coughing and sneezing, and by touching surfaces with which infected individuals may have been in contact. The virus most frequently enters your body when you touch your nose, mouth or eyes with infected hands.

4. Disinfect surfaces such as door knobs, switches and telephones as they can harbor viruses for several hours. Wipe and disinfect these surfaces regularly. Also use separate towels or paper towels in kitchens and bathrooms for infected individuals. Cover your mouth if you sneeze and use a tissue or handkerchief, or the crook of your elbow to protect others from infection. Throw tissues out immediately after use as they can spread the virus to surfaces.

On Friday, October 14^th there will be a flu clinic in Milburn (12:00-2:00 pm) at the Bauer Center, Taylor Park (100 Main Street). Livingston residents are invited to attend. Flu vaccinations are free to those 65+ with a Medicare card. A small fee ($20) will be charged for those under 65 years of age. Alternatively residents may schedule an appointment for a flu vaccination at the Department of Health, Welfare and Human Services which is located at the Livingston Senior Community Center, 204 Hillside Avenue. To schedule an appointment or for more information on health matters please call 973-535-7961, or visit the Township website at www.livingstonnj.org. Click on “Health” in the left hand column.