Keep Calm and Get the Flu Shot

The Influenza (flu) season is upon us, which is typically October through March.  The flu is an easily spread respiratory tract infection caused by a virus.  An average of 5% to 20% of people in the U.S. get the flu each year, with more than 900,000 hospitalized last years from the illness.
We are asking for your help to keep everyone safe this flu season by getting vaccinated. There are those that can fight off the infection, however, those same individuals can still spread the virus to individuals that can't. This puts anyone you interact with at risk, including the groups that are at higher risk of serious illness and death from flu complications:

• Older Adults
• Pregnant Women
• Young Children
• Individuals with weakened immune systems and other chronic medical conditions

Some simple steps to help stop the spread of germs year round:

• Always practice good hand hygiene
• Stay home when you are sick. 
• Wipe down counter tops, desks, and areas that are frequently used.
• Always sneeze and cough into your elbow.
• Avoid sharing items like food, beverages, utensils, towels, hair brushes, and lip balm.

Additional tips to help keep you, your family and our community healthy this flu season can be found by visiting https://www.cdc.gov/flu/prevent/index.html.