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Posted: November 8, 2006
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), 5% to 20% of our population gets it, more than 200,000 people are hospitalized from its complications and, sadly, about 36,000 persons annually die from it. It’s influenza…the common flu.
Collin County Health Care Services is offering flu vaccinations to adults and children Monday through Friday from 8am to 11am and from 1pm to 4pm. Hours will be extended on Tuesday, November 21, 2006, from 4pm to 7pm. Health Care Services is located at 825 N. McDonald Street in McKinney.
Medicare, Medicaid and CHIP are accepted; otherwise the cost for the adult vaccination is $25. The cost for the children’s vaccine is based on a sliding scale fee, but the amount will not exceed $14 per dose. Cash and checks will be accepted.
The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. Some persons, such as older people, young children and people with certain health conditions are at high risk for serious flu complications, with vaccination strongly encouraged.
The CDC advises flu viruses spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing of people with influenza. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose. A healthy adult can infect others up to a day before their own symptoms develop and up to 5 days after becoming sick.
The single best way to prevent the flu is to get a flu vaccination each year. About two weeks after vaccination, antibodies develop that protect against influenza virus infection. Flu vaccines will not protect against flu-like illnesses caused by non-influenza viruses.
October or November is the best time to get vaccinated, but getting vaccinated in December or even later can still be beneficial. Most influenza activity occurs in January or later, with flu season lasting as late as May.
People considered “high risk” include children aged 6 months until after their 5th birthday, pregnant women, persons age 50 and older, people of any age with certain chronic medical conditions and people living in nursing or long-term care facilities. People who live with, or care for those considered “high risk” should also get vaccinated.
Persons who have a severe allergy to chicken eggs, have had a severe reaction to an influenza vaccination in the past, are less than six months of age or who have a moderate or severe illness with fever should check with a physician or inquire at Collin County Health Care Services before considering vaccination.
Foremost in preventing “catching the flu” is washing your hands often and avoiding touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Avoid close contact with people who are sick and keep your distance from others if you fall ill to protect them from getting sick as well (including staying home from work, school and errands, if possible.) Drink plenty of liquids to keep your system flushed and in top condition. Always cover your mouth with a tissue (not your hands) when you sneeze or cough and replace with a clean tissue.
If you have questions about flu shots provided by Collin County Health Care Services contact them at 972-548-5500 (McKinney) or 972-424-1460 (Metro).
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