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Don’t Be Bugged By the Flu!
The start of October also signals the beginning of flu season, and Delaware County Council reminds all residents about the importance of getting an annual flu shot.
Whether it’s the standard flu shot, the needle-free squirt-in-the nose option or the new smaller needle version, a flu vaccination is the best way to guard against the flu.
County Council and the County Department of Intercommunity Health Coordination (ICH) launched its annual flu prevention campaign at the Oct. 4 County Council meeting.
The fall campaign includes a free Walk-In Flu Clinic set for Oct. 27, a detailed listing of flu shot clinics throughout the county, a flu prevention video, clinics at various libraries, and extensive public education.
Delaware County’s flu prevention campaign is conducted by County Council, ICH and the county’s Senior Medical Advisor Dr. George Avetian, the Pennsylvania Department of Health (DoH), and members of the Delaware County Flu Task Force.
“Receiving the flu vaccine is the first and most important step in preventing the flu and decreasing the risk of severe flu-related illnesses,” said County Councilman Tom McGarrigle. “Each year, in the United States, 200,000 people are hospitalized due to complications from the flu and 36,000 people due from the flu and related complications. We want to ensure that Delaware County residents stay healthy.”
Dr. Avetian said everyone 6 months and older should get vaccinated against the flu, and sufficient supplies of vaccine are now available. People at the greatest risk of serious flu complications include young children, pregnant women, people with chronic health conditions such as asthma, diabetes or heart and chronic lung disease and individuals age 65 and older.
The flu season usually occurs from fall through early spring. The peak of flu season has occurred anywhere from late November through March. The overall health impact of the flu, including infections, hospitalizations, and deaths, varies from year to year.
The 2011-2012 vaccine will protect against three strains of influenza: A H3N2 virus, an influenza B virus and the H1N1 virus that emerged in 2009 to cause a pandemic. It is estimated that 166 million doses of flu vaccine will be produced this year.
“We recommend that everyone seek a flu vaccination from their family physician or at a public flu shot clinic, perhaps at their pharmacy,” Dr. Avetian said.
He said efforts are being made to reach out to the entire community including senior citizens and members of the county’s culturally and ethnically diverse population.
In addition to immunization, there are everyday preventative measures that inhibit the spread of influenza virus, including frequent hand-washing with antibacterial soap, covering your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, proper disposal of tissues, and, if you are sick with flu–like illness, the CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities.
Dr. Avetian also reminds people to contact their physician if they develop flu symptoms.
“There are effective antiviral medications that are not antibiotics which can make flu symptoms less intense and of shorter duration,” he said. “These are prescription medications and are not available over-the -counter.”
Flu Prevention Resources
- Walk-In Clinic: A free walk-in flu shot clinic will be held 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 27 at the Tinicum firehouse, 99 Wanamaker Ave., Essington. This replaces the drive-thru clinic that has been held in previous years. The walk-in clinic is sponsored by the state DoH in cooperation with the county ICH. Vaccines will be given to all residents age 4 and older. People will be asked to complete a brief screening to determine if they are allergic to eggs, or have ever had a reaction to a flu shot. People are also asked to bring a canned good or non-perishable food item to be donated at the walk-in flu shot clinic.
- Flu Shot Clinic Calendar: A listing of Flu Shot Clinics, at drugstores, hospitals, libraries and community centers, is posted and continually updated on the Delaware County Web site at www.co.delaware.pa.us. People who do not have Internet access can call the Department of Intercommunity Health Coordination at (610) 891-5311 for sites and dates.
- Educational Information: The Delaware County Web site also features information on the seasonal flu with tips on prevention and links to the federal Centers for Disease Control. There are also printable fliers and reminders that can be downloaded and posted at schools, day care centers, workplaces and other sites.
- Immunization Hotline: The Crozer Keystone Health System Community Health Education Program, in cooperation with the county Intercommunity Health department, provides an Immunization Hotline at (610) 447-2050. The hotline is in operation now through January and is updated on a weekly basis with information regarding locations and times for vaccine
- Flu Shots at Local Libraries: The Delaware County Library System (DCLS) partners with Maxim Health Systems to provide flu shots at various local libraries throughout October. The cost is $30 per shot. It is free for those who have only Medicare Part B or who have Aetna insurance. Dates and sites are listed on the County website and at the DCLS site at www.delcolibraries.org. People can also call 610-891-8622.
- Flu Prevention Video: A brief public service announcement on flu prevention is made available by County Council on the County website at www.co.delaware.pa.us and also on YouTube.