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Influenza Season Has Arrived Earlier This Year

Pixabay.com huntlh

More influenza cases are popping up earlier than in previous years.

Oneida County Health Department spokesperson Maria Otterholt says the flu can have very bad outcomes and a shot can help keep it at bay.... "The best thing for someone to prevent getting the flu is get an annual flu vaccine. You only need to get it once per year. You can come into the Oneida County Health Department.

No appointment is necessary for getting that flu vaccine to help prevent it from hitting you and the ones you love....

" Other businesses also provide flu shots. Otterholt says they will help bill your insurance for the shot. Influenza s a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness. Serious outcomes of flu infection can result in hospitalization or death. Some people, such as older people, young children, and people with certain health conditions, are at high risk of serious flu complications."

She says people with chronic illnesses should get the shot... 

"..Those at higher risk include children 8 months to 18 years old. Anyone who is pregnant, 50 years and older, people who live in nursing homes, anyone with chronic medical conditions should come in and get their flu vaccine..."

Contact your health provider or your local public health department for more information.

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