“This upcoming flu season presents a challenge to our community because it is likely the H1N1 flu (swine flu) and seasonal flu will be co-circulating. While the H1N1 vaccine is not available at this time, the seasonal vaccine is available. We encourage people to protect themselves from the contracting the seasonal flu by getting vaccinated as soon as possible,” said Claudia Edwards, Public Health Director for the Broome County Health Department. “Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent the flu and to protect those people who are at highest risk of having complications from the flu,” Edwards further stated.

 

Every year more than 200,000 people in the United States are hospitalized from complications related to seasonal flu, and about 36,000 die from the flu.

 

Symptoms of seasonal flu include fever, headache, tiredness, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, and occasionally diarrhea and vomiting (occurs more commonly in children). If you experience flu-like symptoms you should stay at home away from others to keep from spreading the virus. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that people with influenza-like illness remain at home until at least 24 hours after they are free of fever (100°F [37.8°C]), or signs of a fever without the use of fever-reducing medications.

 

If you are at high risk for complications from the flu and are concerned about your illness, you should consult with your health care provider. Those at high risk for complications include people 65 years or older, people with chronic medical conditions (such as asthma, diabetes or heart disease), pregnant women, and young children. 

 

Remember, the best way to prevent the flu is to get immunized. The health department clinics are open to anyone 18 years and older. Parents are advised to seek flu immunizations for children at their regular medical provider. Children under the age of three receive a different dosage of the vaccine than adults and older children. Furthermore, children under nine years of age may require a second dose of the vaccine.

 

The fee for the flu vaccination is $20. The pneumonia shot is also available for Medicare Part B recipients aged 65 and older at Broome County Health Department sponsored clinics (*) only. There will be no out of pocket fee for the flu or pneumonia shots for Medicare Part B recipients. Individuals on Medicare must present all insurance cards to staff at the clinic. If you have signed up with Today’s Options-American Progressive or Excellus Medicare Blue PPO Medicare Advantage Plan, we can charge your plan. For other Medicare Advantage Plans, such as Aetna Golden Medicare, CDPHP Medicare Choice, etc, you need to go to your primary care provider for the flu shot or be prepared to pay by cash or check.

 

Residents can call the Broome County Health Department Seasonal Influenza Line at 607.778.3911, Option 2, to hear a recording of the current clinic schedule or log onto the Broome County Government website for a complete clinic listing at www.gobroomecounty.com/clinics/influenza and click on flu information.