LIVINGSTON COUTY — When the weather gets cold and snow dusts the ground, many people become aware of just how many of their coworkers, classmates, family and friends are sniffling and sneezing.
Influenza, or the flu, has hit Livingston County and is widespread throughout New York. The
Livingston County Department of Health recommends those who have not received a flu shot yet to do so as soon as possible. To make this easier, the Livingston County Department of Health is offering a flu shot clinic on Jan. 8 at the Lakeville Training Center from 3-5 p.m. All residents are encouraged to attend.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “Every year in the United States, more than 200,000 people are hospitalized from flu complications, and about 36,000 people die from the flu.”
Symptoms of the flu include fever, chills, headache, sore throat, dry cough, and body aches. Stomach symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea are more common among children than adults. In addition to being vaccinated some other ways to help prevent the flu include:
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick, and avoid going near people when you yourself are sick.
• Stay home from work, school and public gatherings when you are sick.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing.
• Wash your hands often. Keeping your hands clean can help stop the spread of germs.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth because this is how germs are spread.
For more information or questions regarding flu, please call the Livingston County Department of Health at 243-7299 or visit www.livingstoncounty.us/doh.htm.