The influenza season is here and it is time once again for protecting you and your family against this contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. One of the best defenses against this disease is an annual flu vacation and Palo Alto County Health System (PACHS) has scheduled clinics in towns throughout Palo Alto County for September and October.
According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), between 5 and 20 percent of the U.S. population develops seasonal influenza each year. More than 200,000 people are hospitalized from its complications and about 36,000 people die. Symptoms include fever, headache, body aches, chills, extreme exhaustion, and weakness.
The CDC recommends a yearly seasonal flu vaccine as the first step in protecting against seasonal flu and autumn is the best time to get vaccinated. Children six months and older, people with chronic medical conditions, and elderly people are at higher risk for seasonal flu-related complications. Vaccination of these groups is critical.
There are two kinds of influenza vaccines: one type is an injection or shot in the arm and the other type is administered into the nose with a nasal sprayer. The shot contains inactivated (killed) influenza viruses, and the nasal vaccine (Flu Mist) contains live viruses that are weakened. Only those age 2 to 49 years of age are eligible for the Flu Mist vaccination.
The Flu Mist is available at flu vaccination clinics held at all Family Practice Clinic sites or through physicians at the Emmetsburg location during regularly scheduled appointments. Regular flu vaccinations, given as a shot in the arm, will be available at all flu vaccination clinics and at all regularly scheduled physician appointments.
The seasonal flu vaccination will not protect you against the H1N1 flu. Specific information about the H1N1 vaccination availability is not available until later this fall.
Seasonal Influenza Clinics in Palo Alto County
The following clinics are scheduled for residents to receive the seasonal flu vaccination:
Curlew Community Center, Tuesday, Sept. 22, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Emmetsburg VFW, Thursday, Sept 24, 8:30 to 10 a.m.
West Bend Family Practice Clinic, Tuesday, Sept 29, 8 to 9 a.m.
Ruthven Social Center, Wednesday, Sept 30, 8:30 to 9:30 a.m.
Graettinger Family Practice Clinic, Thursday, Oct. 1, 8:30 to 9:30 a.m.
Ayrshire Community Center, Tuesday, Oct. 6, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Emmetsburg Evening Clinic –Family Practice Clinic, Wednesday, Oct. 7, 5 to 6:30 p.m.
Mallard Community Center, Thursday, Oct. 8, 8:30 to 9:30 am
Emmetsburg, Tuesday, Oct. 13, 7:30 to 8:30 a.m.
Medicare and Private Pay patients may attend any scheduled clinic. (Medicare patients are asked to bring their Medicare card to the clinic.) Those patients filing insurance or Medicaid must attend a clinic at one of the Family Practice Clinic sites.
Both the seasonal flu and the H1N1 flu are spread through coughing or sneezing. You can also get it by touching objects carrying the virus, especially when you then touch your mouth or nose. Such objects include telephones and doorknobs. Most healthy adults may be able to infect others one day before their own symptoms develop and up to five days after becoming sick.
Washing your hands is a key strategy for preventing influenza. Teach your kids about the importance of hand washing. Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it and then wash your hands with soap and water. When tissues are not available, cough into your elbow or sleeve instead of your hand.
When you or your children are sick, stay home from work or school to avoid spreading the disease. Those with influenza-like illnesses should stay home for 24 hours after they no longer have a fever or signs of a fever.
If your symptoms require you to see a physician, please use the masks and hand gels at the flu stations located at the entrances at Palo Alto County Hospital. This will protect others in the waiting room areas.
You can find more information on protecting yourself against the flu at www.flu.gov. For questions on the flu clinics in Palo Alto County, call Community Health Services at 712-852-5419 or see our website at www.pachs.com.
