Flu Vaccine

Submitted by Martha Elderon 

It’s NOT TOO LATE to get your flu vaccine!  

Flu cases are now on the rise in California and according to the director of the CDC this flu season is shaping up to be “worse than average”.   The BEST way to protect yourself and those around you from the flu is to get vaccinated.  The CDC recommends that people get vaccinated against influenza as long as influenza viruses are circulating, which can occur as late as May. Call your local pharmacy or health care provider to get your flu vaccine. Children ages 4-18 can get vaccinated for FREE through the month of January at all Target pharmacies. 

Another important way to protect others is to stay home when you are sick.  If your child does become ill PLEASE  keep them home from school.  Signs of flu include:

    

* Fever or Feeling Feverish/Chills

*   Cough

*   Sore Throat

*   Runny or Stuffy Nose

* Muscle or Body Aches

*   Headache

* Extreme Fatigue

                *   Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults.  

If a child has had a fever, he/she may not return to school until it has been normal for 24 hours (without taking medications to reduce fever)

Making healthy choices at school and at home can help prevent the flu and prevent spreading flu to others.  Here are some things you can do daily to help prevent illness:

* Stay home when you are sick. Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

* Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue away after use and wash your hands.    If a tissue is not available, cover your mouth and nose with your sleeve, not your hand.

* Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. If soap and water are not available, use      an alcohol-based hand rub.

*Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. Germs spread this way.

*Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces at home, work or school, especially when someone is ill.