IT’S NOT TO LATE TO GET YOUR H1N1 INFLUENZA VACCINATION

Have you been immunized for H1N1 influenza? If not, there is still time. Your local health department reminds residents that H1N1 pandemic influenza is still circulating. Getting vaccinated now is the best protection. Although the spread of influenza has slowed, it would not be surprising if another wave of influenza illness spread through our communities. Flu season usually peaks during February in Georgia.  During past influenza pandemics, two or more waves of illness occurred, affecting millions of people. So far, the H1N1 strain has caused 781 hospitalizations and 42 deaths in Georgia. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, estimates there have been between 39 and 80 million people in the U.S. infected with the H1N1 virus. Of these, approximately 246,000 have been hospitalized and about 11,160 people have died because of H1N1 influenza.  http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/estimates_2009_h1n1.htm

To make sure that you, your family and others are protected, visit your local health department and get vaccinated. The H1N1 vaccine is provided at no cost to the individual. However, Medicare, Medicaid and insurance can be billed a small administration fee. Please bring your insurance card with you to the health department.

Other important prevention actions include washing your hands often with soap and water, covering your coughs and sneezes, staying home when you are sick, and avoiding other people that are sick. Remember: only you can prevent flu!