Ocean County Health Department Contact: Leslie Terjesen
PO Box 2191 Public Information Officer
Toms River, NJ 08754-2191 732-341-9700, ext. 7224
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE DATE: December 5, 2016
THE HOLIDAY SEASON IS HERE!
DON’T BRING THE FLU WITH YOU
“December 4th – 12th marks National Influenza Vaccination Week (NIVW), and the Ocean County Health Department is reminding residents that it’s not too late for a flu shot,” stated Ocean County Freeholder Deputy Director Gerry P. Little, Liaison to the Ocean County Board of Health. “With the holidays upon us, family and friends are gathering for festivities and shopping for gifts; don’t bring the flu with you. It takes about two weeks for the flu shot to be fully effective, so plan ahead and get your flu shot immediately.”
Daniel Regenye, Ocean County Health Department (OCHD) Public Health Coordinator, said, “We know that receiving a flu vaccine is the best way to protect yourself against the flu. Although Ocean County is currently experiencing low flu activity, it is likely to increase in the next month as the New Jersey Department of Health has reported there is an increase of flu activity in the northeast section of New Jersey. The Ocean County Health Department continues to offer the flu shot and you can find dates, times and sites through February on our website at www.ochd.org.
The Ocean County Health Department offers these flu tips:
- Get vaccinated. The best way to protect yourself and your family from the flu is to get an annual flu shot. It is the most effective method of prevention. Current indications show this season’s vaccine to be a good match to circulating strains.
- Remember that antiviral medications are a second-line defense against the flu. If you are experiencing fever, runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, cough, muscle aches and headaches, visit your doctor immediately, and take antivirals if prescribed; they can help you recover quicker, and can prevent you from being hospitalized with flu complications.
- Take everyday preventive actions to help stop the spread of germs. Cover your cough and sneeze, stay away from sick people, stay home when you feel sick, and wash your hands often.
Vaccination is recommended for everyone 6 months and older. It is especially important for protecting those at high risk for serious complications, including:
- Young children
- Adults over the age of 650
- Pregnant women
- People with chronic medical conditions, such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), heart disease, diabetes, HIV/AIDS, cancer, and morbid obesity
- People living with or caring for high risk individuals
Visit the Ocean County Health Department website at www.ochd.org or follow the Health Department on Twitter@OCpublichealth or like us on Facebook.