Influenza is a contagious respiratory illness that can cause fever, cough, sore throat, and fatigue. While most people recover within a couple of weeks, the virus can lead to serious complications in young children, older adults, and individuals with chronic health conditions.
With flu season on the horizon, Dickinson County Public Health (DCPH) is encouraging residents to roll up their sleeves and get their annual flu shots. Vaccines are now available to help keep the community healthy and protected through the fall and winter months. Flu shots are available for everyone ages 6 months and older and getting vaccinated each year is the best way to protect against the virus and its complications.
For those interested in getting the flu shot, Lakes Regional Healthcare Director of Population and Public Health Katy Carey said it is possible to get other vaccinations at the same time as the flu vaccination. She said, “We follow CDC guidance and encourage coadministration with age-appropriate doses of vaccines for people that don’t have any specific contraindications at the time of the visit.”
For more information about the influenza vaccine, visit https://www.cdc.gov/flu/vaccines/index.html.
