Influenza spreads readily from person to person in schools, workplaces and homes. People over the age of 6 months should get the annual flu vaccine to prevent sickness, unnecessary healthcare visits, hospitalizations and deaths from influenza.
Flu vaccine provides protection against three strains of influenza—the H1N1 strain that caused the illness in 2009 and later seasons, and 2 other flu viruses that caused illness last season. Citizens should get vaccinated as soon as the vaccine is available from their healthcare provider or pharmacy.
Flu vaccine is now available and will provide protection throughout flu season. All residents are encouraged to contact their regular doctor for recommended vaccinations. The seasonal flu vaccine is also available countywide at supermarkets, pharmacies and community clinics for a low fee. Receiving the flu shot is a quick and easy way to keep your family healthy throughout the Fall and holiday season.
Suffering from the effects of the flu can be miserable and harmful. So, please keep in mind that the flu is a contagious disease that leads to illness, hospitalizations, and deaths every year. Symptoms include fever, sore throat, cough, headache, and muscle aches. It is especially important that certain groups make sure they are vaccinated because they are either at greater risk of developing complications from the flu or because they live with or care for others who are at greater risk of developing complications.
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Groups at greater risk of flu complications include:
- Pregnant women or if you just had a baby;
- Children younger than five;
- Adults 50 years of age and older;
- People of any age with chronic medical conditions such as heart disease or diabetes;
- People who live in nursing homes or long-term care facilities;
- People who live with or care for those at high-risk for complications from the flu, including health care and day workers.
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Flu is extremely contagious. In addition, LA County Department of Public Health also encourages everyone to practice good flu hygiene. The flu is very contagious and can spread through direct person-to-person contact, so healthy habits can deter successful transmission. These healthy habits include:
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Prevention:
- Wash your hands frequently, especially after using the restroom and before and after eating
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or your sleeve when you cough or sneeze.
- Do not touch your nose, mouth or eyes
- Stay home from work or school when sick
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For more information about flu vaccine safety, effectiveness, and recommendations, please visit:
http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/ip/influenza.htm
www.cdc.gov/flu.
For more information on the flu virus, please check out:
http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/keyfacts.htm
The City of Beverly Hills would like to acknowledge that the information compiled above was acquired from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health website.
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