BUCYRUS―Crawford County Public Health is reminding local residents that flu season is upon us and flu vaccinations are the single best way to protect yourself, your family and the community against the dreaded illness.
According to Health Commissioner Kate Siefert, even healthy people need a flu vaccine.
“Last year’s flu season was the longest flu season the United States has had in a decade, running from October 2018 through May 2019. The CDC estimates that 42.9 million people in the United States were sick with the flu, 647,000 people were hospitalized and 61,200 flu deaths occurred during that time-frame,” said Siefert. “Locally, here in Crawford County, we experienced influenza-associated hospitalizations through April. Receiving a seasonal flu vaccine each year remains the best way to protect against the flu and its potentially severe consequences.”
Symptoms of influenza include fever, headache, non-productive cough, sore throat and runny nose.
Crawford County Public Health will be offering the quadrivalent vaccine that is designed to protect against four different flu viruses: two influenza A viruses and two influenza B viruses.
“Having four strains in the vaccine aims to give broader protection against circulating flu viruses. A limited amount of high-dose vaccine, manufactured and licensed for those 65 years and older, will be available on a first-come, first-served basis,” Siefert said.
Amy Ramirez, Director of Nursing at Crawford County Public Health, wants to emphasize that her staff tries to make it as convenient as possible to get a flu shot.
“On Tuesday, October 1st, we will have our annual “Drive-Thru” flu clinic at our office (1520 Isaac Beal Rd., Bucyrus). You don’t even need to get out of your car. Swing through our parking lot between 3 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., roll down your window and let our nurses protect you from the flu,” said Ramirez. “This is a great option for families with young children in car seats, people with mobility issues or even those that just want to get the flu shot over with as quickly as possible.”
Ramirez further reports that Crawford County Public Health also has vaccination clinics every Thursday in Bucyrus, with the second and third Thursday of the month offering convenient evening hours until 6:30 p.m. A clinic will also be held in New Washington on October 16 from 9 to 11:30 a.m. at St. John’s Lutheran Church. People should call ahead to schedule a convenient time to ensure they will not need to wait long.
“No matter which clinic option you choose, please bring along your health insurance cards. Most insurances will cover the cost of the flu shot,” Ramirez said. “It is recommended that all people six months and older get a flu shot. Certain people are at higher risk of complications from the flu.”
She said that those at higher risk include children age six months to 18 years, pregnant women, people 50 years and older, anyone with chronic medical conditions and people who live in nursing homes. The best way to protect yourself from getting the flu is to practice good hygiene, get your flu shot each year, stay home when you are sick and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
“Don’t avoid getting a flu shot just because you don’t like shots. The minor pain of a flu shot is nothing compared to the suffering that can be caused by the flu. The discomfort you may feel from the minor side effects of the flu shot is worthwhile to avoid the flu,” said Siefert. “There are two reasons for getting a flu shot each year: flu viruses are constantly changing so you need the most current season’s vaccine for the best protection and your immune protection from the vaccine declines over time which means an annual shot is your best protection.”
For more information on protecting yourself and your family from the flu and to schedule your flu shot, contact Crawford County Public Health at (419)562-5871. To keep up with current events and public health information, be sure to “like” the Crawford County Public Health page on Facebook.