Health & Fitness
Flu Shot Before The Holidays? It's Not Too Early
Get vaccinated before the holidays expose you to extra germs at airports, shopping centers and on vacations, the Colo. Health Dept. said.
COLORADO — Too early for a flu shot? Not according to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.
Last year, Colorado had the worst flu season on record, the agency reported, with 4,650 Coloradans hospitalized with the flu. This year, as of Nov. 10, there have been 23 hospitalizations due to flu, and numbers are increasing each week.
As the holidays approach, Coloradans will be exposed to potential flu infection visiting airports, holiday shopping or visiting out-of-town areas.
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"More people bring more germs, and more germs bring more opportunities to get the flu," a statement from the agency said.
“It takes about two weeks after getting vaccinated for full protection against the flu,” said Dr. Rachel Herlihy, state communicable disease epidemiologist. “Anyone who hasn’t received a flu vaccine yet should do so now, before holiday celebrations begin.”
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A flu shot is recommended for all people over age 6 months.
“The very best method for preventing the flu is to be vaccinated,” Herlihy said. “The flu vaccine can keep you out of the hospital and ready for work, school and all your holiday gatherings.”
You can find flu shots at vaccinefinder.org. People who need help paying for flu vaccine can contact their local public health agency.
Here are tips from CDPHE to help stop the spread of germs:
● Avoid close contact with people who are sick, and when you are sick, keep your distance from others.
● Stay home when you are sick.
● Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
● Clean your hands frequently with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub.
● Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
● Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with germs.
● If you get the flu and your doctor prescribes antiviral medications, take them as directed. These medicines can lessen flu symptoms and shorten the time you are sick.
You can find the weekly flu report for the state on the department's influenza page.
Related: CDC Recommending Seasonal Flu Shots For Children, Schools
Related: Flu Shots Available Through JeffCo Health Department
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