In recognition of National Influenza Vaccination Week, December 7-13, 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 rare exceptions, a yearly Influenza vaccination is recommended for everyone six months of age and older as the first and most important step in protecting against influenza disease,” said Dr. Eisenstein. “Influenza viruses can be unpredictable and differ from year to year which is why it’s important to get vaccinated annually.”
In the United States, on average 5% to 20% of the population gets the flu and more than 200,000 people are hospitalized from seasonal 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.
• 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 are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread this way.
• If you are sick with a 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 for other necessities. (Your fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.)
• While sick, limit contact with others as much as possible to keep from infecting them.
For additional information about influenza and the influenza vaccine visit the CDC website at www.cdc.gov/flu