Flu Seasons Means Getting Vaccinated

POUGHKEEPSIE, NY — Flu season is here and it’s time to get your vaccination. Between 5 percent and 20 percent of the population gets the flu each year in the United States. The Dutchess County Department of Behavioral & Community Health has a few suggestions to help you protect yourself from the illness.

“The first and most important way to avoid getting influenza is by getting the flu vaccine every year,” said Commissioner A. K. Vaidian, MD, MPH. “Flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses.”

Vaidian said that flu symptoms include fever, headache, extreme fatigue, dry cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose and muscle aches. The flu can lead to more severe disease, including death in infants and individuals who are elderly or suffer from chronic health conditions.

The Department reminds everyone that the flu is easily passed from one person to another by coughing and sneezing. Following these simple tips will help protect yourself and your loved ones from the flu:

• Wash your hands often.
• Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze.
• Try not to touch your eyes, nose or mouth.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Clean or sanitize things that are often touched such as doorknobs, keyboards, etc.

This year’s flu vaccine is recommended for everyone 6 months and older, especially healthcare workers, children, pregnant women, older adults and individuals with chronic health conditions.

Flu vaccine is available locally at your doctor’s office, pharmacies, retail stores and at the Dutchess County Health Clinic on Mondays, by appointment at 845-486-3535 or by emailing clinics@dutchessny.gov.

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