Provided by the Pennsylvania Department of Health:
Acting Health Secretary and Physician General Dr. Rachel Levine recently launched the annual “Stopping the Flu Starts with YOU” campaign, encouraging all Pennsylvanians to get vaccinated to prevent the spread of influenza.
“Last flu season, there were 70,800 confirmed cases, with 148 Pennsylvanians dying from flu complications,” Dr. Levine said. “Getting a flu shot is the easiest and most important step that anyone can take to protect themselves and their loved ones from this dangerous virus. This year, we want to make sure everyone is protected, even if you think you are in good health.”
The “Stopping the Flu Starts with YOU” campaign is an annual effort to encourage Pennsylvanians to protect themselves and their loved ones against seasonal flu by getting vaccinated and taking other preventive measures.
“Vaccination is important to protect not only your health, but the health of those around you who may be at bigger risk of life-threatening complications related to influenza,” Dr. Levine said. “We are especially concerned about the very young, older Pennsylvanians, pregnant women and those with chronic health conditions. Stopping the flu starts with you and me.”
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends a yearly flu vaccine for everyone six months of age and older. Flu viruses are constantly changing, and vaccines may be updated yearly to protect against the viruses that research indicates will be most common during the upcoming flu season. A person’s immune protection from the vaccine also decreases over time.
In addition to getting vaccinated, the Department of Health recommends:
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Wash hands often with soap and warm water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer;
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Cover nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing, and throw any used tissues in the trash;
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Keep hands away from face, and don’t touch eyes, nose or mouth;
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Disinfect frequently used surfaces like doorknobs, light switches, TV remotes or countertops; and
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Avoid contact with individuals who may have the flu. When sick, stay home until at least 24 hours after your fever goes away on its own without the use of fever-reducing medicine.
Flu seasons are unpredictable and can be severe. In the U.S., it is estimated that an average of five to 20 percent of the population gets the flu, and hundreds of thousands are hospitalized from seasonal flu-related complications.
The Department of Health offers the influenza vaccine to underinsured/uninsured adults and eligible children at many of the State Health Centers across the commonwealth on a continual basis. Those interested and who qualify should call 1-877-PAHEALTH to schedule an appointment.
For more information on influenza and the flu vaccine visit the Department of Health website at www.health.pa.gov.
