Additional supply of the flu vaccine is here
The Department of Health’s Immunization Program is encouraging everyone to get vaccinated for influenza, more commonly known as the flu.
An additional supply of the flu vaccine is here and available free of charge to local residents.
A few months ago, a flu outbreak swept across the territory and affected hundreds of the local population, the majority of them being young children. That is why health care professionals are urging everyone to get vaccinated, as it is the best way to prevent the contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses.
The flu can cause mild to severe illness and at times can become serious enough to cause death. The DOH’s Immunization Program has spearheaded outreach efforts to inform the general public through paid advertisements that the flu vaccine is available at no cost.
Experts agree that the best way to prevent the flu is by getting a flu vaccination every year.
Young children, the elderly, and people with certain health conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and renal disease are at high risk for serious flu complications.
Symptoms of the flu include a fever (usually high), headaches, extreme tiredness, dry cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, and muscle aches. Stomach symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea can also occur but such are more common in children than adults.
If not treated in a timely manner, the flu can cause complications which may include bacterial pneumonia, ear infections, sinus infections, dehydration, and worsening of chronic medical conditions like congestive heart failure, asthma, or diabetes.
Flu viruses spread mainly from person to person through the cough or sneeze of someone with the flu. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.
Most healthy adults may be able to infect others beginning a day before symptoms develop and up to 5 days after becoming sick, meaning that you may be able to pass on the flu to someone else before you know you are sick, as well as while you are sick.
Call the DOH Immunization Program at 699-8464/8465 for more information and get vaccinated today!
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