Press Releases
Health Officials Remind Residents About Flu Prevention; Urge All To Receive Flu Shots
For Immediate Release: Tuesday, December 5, 2017
Montgomery County health officials are reminding residents to help prevent the flu by getting a flu shot and by following key health habits.
“Getting a flu shot is the best prevention measure one can take to prevent getting the flu and the serious complications that can occur,” said Dr. Travis Gayles, county health officer. “There have been some press reports recently predicting that based on experiences in the southern hemisphere, this year’s vaccine has low effectiveness. Even with lower effectiveness, flu vaccination prevents millions of illnesses and tens of thousands of flu-related hospitalizations each year.”
In addition to getting a flu shot, there are several ways to lower the chance of getting the flu:
- Wash hands frequently with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
- Try to avoid close contact with sick people. If sick, limit contact with others as much as possible to keep from infecting them.
- If you are sick with flu-like illness, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or other necessities.
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread this way.
To find a location to get a flu shot, go to https://vaccinefinder.org.
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Media Contact: Mary Anderson 240-777-6534