It's Flu Season again

Once again, the flu season is approaching. The flu is a respiratory illness caused by various strains of the influenza virus.  It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. The best way to prevent the flu is by getting a flu vaccination each year.  Anyone over 6 months of age should get the flu vaccine annually. 

Flu viruses are thought to spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing of people with influenza. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose. Most healthy adults may be able to infect others beginning one day before symptoms develop and up to five days after becoming sick. That means that you may be able to pass on the flu to someone else before you know you are sick, as well as while you are sick.


The single best way to prevent seasonal flu is to get vaccinated each year, but good health habits like covering your cough and washing your hands often can help stop the spread of germs and prevent respiratory illnesses like the flu. There also are flu antiviral drugs that can be used to treat and prevent the flu.

1. Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.
2. If possible, stay home from work, school, and do not run errands when you are sick.
3. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick.
4. Washing your hands often will help protect you from getting and spreading germs.
5. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.
6. Practice other good health habits. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.

Flu Symptoms:  

• High fever
• Headache
• Extreme tiredness
• Dry cough
• Sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Muscle aches
• Stomach symptoms such as nausea and vomitting

  
The Baltimore County Department of Health is offering free flu vaccines at the following locations:

For additional information call 410-887-BCHD (2243)
Date	Time	Location
Friday, September 23	10 a.m. to 4 p.m.	Drumcastle Government Center 6401 York Road - Main Parking Lot Baltimore, MD 21212
Saturday, October 29	9 a.m. to 2 p.m.	Randallstown Community Center 3505 Resource Drive Baltimore, MD 21133
Wednesday, November 2	1 to 7 p.m.	Drumcastle Government Center 6401 York Road, 3rd Floor Baltimore, MD 21212