Florida Dept. of Health encourages residents to not wait - get flu shot now

From the Florida Department of Health in Orange County

The Florida Department of Health in Orange County encourages residents to contact their healthcare provider or local pharmacy to get vaccinated against influenza (flu).

The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by flu viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. The best way to prevent the flu is to get a flu vaccine each fall.

Getting the flu shot each year is important and recommended for everyone six months and older, including pregnant women. It takes about two weeks after vaccination for your body to develop protection against the flu.

Receiving your flu vaccination even if you are healthy prevents illness in our most vulnerable populations. People at higher risk for flu-related complications include children ages newborn to five, adults over the age of 65, pregnant women and people who have existing medical conditions such as asthma.

Here are tips to prevent the spread of seasonal flu:

Stay home if you’re sick to mitigate the transmission of the virus

Cover coughs and sneezes

Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly

Check with your physician, local pharmacy, or use our Flu Shot Locator to schedule your flu vaccine. Visit FluFreeFlorida.com for more information on how you can be a part of #FluFreeFL.

The Florida Department of Health, nationally accredited by the Public Health AccreditationBoard, works to protect, promote, and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts. Follow us on Twitter at @HealthyFla and on Facebook. For more information about the Florida Department of Health, please visit www.FloridaHealth.gov.