CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) RESOURCE CENTER Read More
Add To Favorites

Stop the spread of flu, with 2018 flu facts

Claremore Daily Progress - 11/16/2018

Nov. 16--Flu season is upon us, and with it comes the yearly reminder for how to keep oneself and loved ones safe and healthy.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, "The timing of flu is unpredictable and can vary in different parts of the country and from season to season. Seasonal flu viruses can be detected year-round; however, seasonal flu activity often begins as early as October and November and can continue to occur as late as May. Flu activity most commonly peaks in the United States between December and February."

Larry Bergner, Regional Director of the Oklahoma Health Department, overseeing a handful of counties in Green Country, offered his advice for how to stay healthy.

"The most important thing is to wash your hands and be careful what you put in your mouth," Bergner said. "For any illness, hand wash, hand wash, hand wash. We preach that all the time."

As a matter of common sense, Bergner said, "Try not to be around those that are sick."

Small children and the elderly are more susceptible to disease.

"Use hand wipes for little ones," Bergner said. "And because they like to roam around, put things in their mouth and chew on stuff, keep toys that are shared between siblings or at a daycare center cleaned."

Bergner warns against people trying to tough put their illness to go to school or work.

"If you or your child are ill, stay home," he said. "Don't take your child to daycare. Stay out of the public if you are feeling ill so that you don't pass it on to others."

In addition to these go-to rules, Bergner added, "The flu shot is the best prevention."

The 2018-2019 Food and Drug Administration approved flu vaccine protects against four different strains of influenza.

The CDC recommends getting the shot before flu begins spreading in your community.

"It takes about two weeks after vaccination for antibodies that protect against flu to develop in the body, so make plans to get vaccinated early in fall, before flu season begins," the CDC website suggests.

Children who need two doses of vaccine to be protected should start the vaccination process sooner, because the two doses must be given at least four weeks apart.

The Rogers County Health Department has no-cost flu shots available.

The cost of the vaccine will either be billed to insurance for those who have it or given for free to the uninsured. Call 918-341-3166 to make an appointment.

___

(c)2018 the Claremore Daily Progress (Claremore, Okla.)

Visit the Claremore Daily Progress (Claremore, Okla.) at claremoreprogress.com

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.