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Flu Season Is Underway In Northwoods

oneidacountyhealthdepartment.org

Besides the beginning of the football season, it's also the beginning of the flu season. Health officials say it's a good time to consider a flu shot.

Oneida County Public Health Nurse Dawn Van Den Heuvel has some tips....

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"....recommended for anyone over the age of 6 months and if they are under six months, they cannot get a flu shot. It's really important that anyone that has a small infant, daycare, or works with a small infant gets their flu shots...."

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Persons over age 65 and people with pre-existing medical conditions are considered high risk for getting the flu and are recommended to get the shot. It takes about two weeks to build up immunity against influenza. Van Den Heuvel says they have a nasal spray for people ages 2 to 49 who don't like shots...and has this advice...

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"...stay home if you're sick. Don't go to work or go out in the community and spread it to everyone else. Good hand washing is always the best line of defense. And of course covering your cough, coughing into your sleeve and washing your hands afterwards, too..."

Your local public health department has the shots as do many health facilities and private vendors

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