Nassau County, NY - December 9, 2015 - In recognition of National Influenza Vaccination Week, December 6th – 12th, Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano and Health Commissioner Dr. Lawrence Eisenstein remind residents that it is not too late to get a flu shot.
“National Influenza Vaccination Week provides an important opportunity to remind our residents of the importance of getting an annual flu vaccination,” said County Executive Mangano. “Getting vaccinated is the single best way for people to protect not only themselves against the flu, but their loved ones as well.”
“With very few exceptions, everyone 6 months and older should get an annual flu vaccine,” said Health Commissioner Dr. Eisenstein. “Influenza virus can be unpredictable and differ from year to year which is why it’s important to get vaccinated annually.”
There are certain people who are at high risk of developing serious flu-related complications that can lead to hospitalization or even death. Pneumonia and bronchitis are two examples of flu-related complications. Rates of serious illness and death are highest among persons older than 65 years of age, children younger than 5 years and persons of any age who have medical conditions that place them at increased risk for complications from seasonal influenza.
County Executive Mangano and Health Commissioner Eisenstein remind residents to take everyday preventive actions to stop the spread of influenza and other germs.
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
• While 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. (Your fever should be gone for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medicine.)
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water is not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread this way.
• Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with germs like the flu.
For additional information about influenza and the influenza vaccine visit the CDC website.