Flu season is just around the corner, and the Santa Clara County
Public Health Department is encouraging those at high risk for
complications from influenza to be vaccinated early.
Flu season is just around the corner, and the Santa Clara County Public Health Department is encouraging those at high risk for complications from influenza to be vaccinated early.
These populations include adults 60 years or older, anyone with chronic/long-term health problems such as heart disease, diabetes, asthma, cancer, kidney disease and HIV/AIDS; pregnant women who will be in their 2nd or 3rd trimester during flu season, Infants 6 to 23 months, residents of nursing or long-term care facilities.
Those who can transmit influenza to at-risk populations should also consider flu vaccination, including healthcare workers, household contacts of members of at-risk groups.
October and November are the best times to receive flu vaccinations, but receiving a vaccination in December or later can protect against the flu. If their own physician is not providing flu vaccinations, Santa Clara County residents can receive a flu vaccination from the Public Health Department Immunization Program clinic sites starting Oct. 6. Flu clinics will also be held at various senior centers throughout the county starting Oct. 14. The cost for a flu shot will be $8.
While sometimes difficult to distinguish from a cold, the flu is a more severe illness caused by an influenza virus. The flu usually lasts two weeks or longer. Symptoms include high fever, headache, dry cough, body aches and tiredness. The common cold generally lasts around a week.
It is an upper respiratory infection that affects your head, nose, throat, and chest. Symptoms include a stuffy or runny nose and a sore throat.
For clinic sites and hours of operation, call the Immunization Program at 792.5200, or to obtain a schedule of Public Health Department flu clinics visit www.sccphd.org/iz
