Sarasota Flu Shots
The
Sarasota County Health Department maintains an updated
website with information and how you can get a flu shot this
season.
Flu season is October to May.
QUICK FACTS
ABOUT FLU
· Half
of the people who have been
infected with
the flu virus show no signs or symptoms, but they are still able
to spread it to others.
· Continual
contact with sick patients puts health care workers at an
increased risk for flu. Yet, fewer than 30 percent of health
care workers are vaccinated against flu each year.
· Over
65 million Americans contract influenza and flu-related
complications such as pneumonia each year.
· Flu
and pneumonia can be life-threatening. Nationally, an average of
226,000 people are hospitalized with flu-related illnesses and
36,000 die from flu-related complications such as pneumonia.
See
Sarasota County Health Dept. for more details
PROTECTIVE ACTIONS AGAINST FLU AND PNEUMONIA
· Get
a flu shot every year.
· Ask
your physician about the pneumonia shot.
· Cover
your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing.
· Avoid
touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.
· Wash
your hands regularly with soap and water or an alcohol-based
hand cleaner.
· Stay
home from work or school when sick.
· Do
not share personal items.
· Avoid
close contact with people who are sick.
· Avoid
crowded areas where people are likely to be sneezing and
coughing.
For further information about flu
and pneumonia shots call the Sarasota County Health Dept. at (941)
861-2900.
