Last Updated on November 30, 2019 9:59 am
Health officials with AppHealthCare and Appalachian Regional Healthcare System are encouraging people to receive the flu vaccine to prevent illness. The CDC recommends yearly vaccination against the flu for everyone 6 months and older.
Flu infections are most common from late fall to early spring in North Carolina. Peak activity usually occurs in January or February, although it can’t be predicted exactly when it will happen.
“It is important to receive the flu vaccine in order to protect you and your loved ones during the flu season. The best way to prevent the spread of flu is to get the flu vaccine. You can call AppHealthCare to schedule an appointment or see your healthcare provider,” stated Jennifer Greene, Health Director, AppHealthCare.
According to studies cited by the CDC, vaccination against the flu can:
Protect people who are at greater risk of becoming seriously ill from flu, like older adults, pregnant women, people with chronic health conditions (including obesity) and young children
Make illness milder and reduce the risk of more serious outcomes
Protect pregnant women and their developing babies
People should take the following precautions to protect against the spread of flu and other viruses:
Stay home when sick until fever-free for at least 24 hours
Wash hands frequently with soap and water
Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue and then discard the tissue promptly
What are the symptoms of the flu? (Source: cdc.gov/flu)
A fever of 100.4F/38C degrees or higher or feeling feverish (not everyone with the flu has a fever)
A cough and/or sore throat
A runny or stuffy nose
Headaches and/or body aches
Chills
Fatigue
Nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhea (most common in children)
To learn more about flu, visit http://flu.nc.gov. This website will be updated weekly during flu season by the NC Division of Public Health with the most current flu related data.
