BERLIN — Officials across Worcester County are already gearing up for the coming flu season by offering free vaccinations both through the Worcester County Health Department and through Atlantic General Hospital (AGH).
The flu shots will be administered throughout October all across the county. While some individuals such as the young, the old and those with certain existing health conditions are more at risk for influenza, health officials are urging everyone eligible to receive a vaccination.
“I don’t think all healthy people recognize the importance that it’s not just about protecting them from the flu, it’s also protecting people in the community who are most at risk from the flu,” said Kathleen Rose-Derr, Nursing Program Manager for Communicable Disease at the Health Department.
The vaccine being administered by the Health Department this season provides protection against three different strains of the flu virus.
For a healthy adult, catching the flu won’t likely be too serious though Rose-Derr stressed that there’s always a risk of complications that could all be easily avoided with a simple early vaccination. Even if the flu doesn’t produce more than sniffles for adults, they could spread the sickness to others who might not be able to handle it.
“You have to realize that when you get the flu or any kind of respiratory illness it also puts you at risk for secondary bacterial pneumonia and that’s the more severe thing,” said Rose-Derr. “But the flu can still be deadly, especially for those at highest risk.”
Participation in the county flu vaccination program has been dropping slightly over the past few years to about an average of 500 vaccinations distributed per season. It’s not a lack of interest but rather more flu clinics operating that seems to be changing the numbers, said Rose-Derr.
For example, AGH will be running its own free flu clinics throughout the fall. Like the Health Department, the hospital underlined that the flu can be serious and even lead to death in some cases.
“Influenza and complications resulting from the virus kill an estimated 20,000 people each year, according to the CDC,” read a release from AGH. “Although rates of influenza vaccinations have increased in recent years, health surveys indicate that less than half of the high-risk population receives a yearly vaccine.”
Influenza is extremely contagious and AGH recommends using some commonsense good health habits in addition to receiving a vaccination to combat the virus. The flu spreads through inhaling droplets from an infected individual’s cough or sneeze and care should be taken to avoid close contact with those already sick. As always, frequent hand washing is recommended as one of the best and simplest ways to stop germs from spreading.
“Most symptoms emerge within 24 to 48 hours and are characterized by fever, chills, sore throat, cough and headache,” reported AGH’s release. “Just one infected person can unknowingly pass on the flu to family members and loved ones because the virus can be transmitted 24 hours before symptoms appear.”
Both the AGH and Health Department clinics are free, though the county is suggesting a donation of $15 for those without Medicare or Medicaid, which can be billed. However, the Health Department promised that no one will be denied a shot due to inability to pay.
For more information on the vaccine and a full list of AGH clinic dates and locations contact Atlantic General Hospital at 410-641-9FLU (9358) or visit www.atlanticgeneral.org. More information on Health Department Clinics and dates can be found at www.worcesterhealth.org or by calling 410-632-1100.