The Kent County Health Department continues to encourage residents to get their flu shots and they say now is a great time.
“We believe that every person should get a flu shot every year. Except those under 6 months, there’s very rare exceptions.”
Steve Kelso is the Marketing and Communications Manager with the Kent County Health Department. He says they continue to encourage local residents to get a flu shot if they haven’t already. And he says, now is the perfect time.
“The time is perfect as a matter of fact, we typically see flu cases in West Michigan begin to ramp up late December, early January. We also know that it takes about 2 weeks after you get that flu shot for your immunity to ramp up so this is the perfect opportunity to get that flu shot, build that immunity and then by flu season you should really be strong.”
The Centers for Disease Control recommends the yearly flu vaccine as the first and most important step in protecting against influenza and it’s potentially serious complications. The CDC says the vaccination can reduce flu illnesses, doctor’s visits and missed work or school due to flu as well as prevent flu related hospitalizations. Kelso says the vaccine is available at the Kent County Health Department, but you can go anywhere to get the shot.
“You can call us at 632 7200 to make an appointment. You can use Blue Cross Blue shield and there’s a sliding scale for uninsured and under insured. We want to make sure that everyone gets that flu shot and honestly, we don’t really care where you get your shot, just get your flu shot.”
Experts advise everyday preventive actions to stop the spread of germs, such as avoiding close contact with those who are sick. While sick limit contact with others as much as possible. If you are sick with flu like illness, the CDC recommends that you stay at home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone and of course cover your nose and mouth with a tissue if you cough or sneeze. More information can be found at the health department website at accesskent.com under the health tab.
