Flu season usually starts in October and continues through the winter months with peak activity in January and February. Influenza, commonly called “the flu,” is caused by the influenza virus, which infects the respiratory tract (nose, throat, lungs). Unlike many other viral respiratory infections, such as the common cold, the flu can cause severe illness and life-threatening complications in many people. Vaccination is the best way to prevent influenza.
Every year, flu spreads across the country, from person to person, family to family, and community to community. The severity of flu illness can vary from mild to severe. When severe, flu complications can lead to hospitalization and sometimes even death. Even healthy children and adults can get very sick from the flu. Each year in the United States (on average) an estimated 5 to 20 percent of the population will be infected with the flu, and more than 200,000 people may be hospitalized during a single flu season.
An annual flu vaccination is the best way to prevent flu and the flu-related complications that could lead to hospitalization and even death. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends vaccination before December to ensure that protective antibodies are in your system before flu activity is typically at its highest. The CDC and the Anson County Health Department recommends that everyone 6 months and older get a flu vaccine.
The Anson County Health Department has flu shots (influenza vaccine) for the 2016-2017 season available now. Flu shots are available by appointment Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Flu shots are free for uninsured children 18 years old and younger, and for uninsured pregnant women. The cost for adults is $35 for regular dose, and $80 for high dose. Most major insurances, including Medicaid and Medicare, are accepted.
The pneumonia vaccine is also available at the Health Department for adults 65 years old and older for $70. If you have any questions, or to schedule your appointment, please call Anson County Health Department at 704-694-5188.
Jennifer Dockery is a family nurse practitioner at the Anson County Health Department in Wadesboro.