No health insurance? Flu Vaccines are FREE for Onondaga County Residents! Onondaga County Health Department will be offering Walk-In Flu Clinic Wednesday, Nov 19, 2014. Onondaga County’s Flu Clinic will be offered at the following times; 10:00 am − 12:00 noon and 2:00 pm − 4:00 pm at the Onondaga County Civic Center, 421 Montgomery Street, Syracuse. Room 30, Basement Level, this clinic will serve those 6 months of age and older. If you have questions? Call 435-2000.
Key Facts about the Flu
What is the Flu (influenza)?
The flu is a serious and contagious respiratory illness caused by the influenza viruses.
What are the Symptoms of Flu?
Symptoms of flu may include:
- Fever or feeling feverish
- Chills
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Occasionally vomiting and diarrhea
How is the flu spread?
The flu is spread by droplets made when people with the flu cough, sneeze or talk. Droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby. It can also spread by people touching surfaces that have flu virus on it and touching their eyes, nose or mouth.
Who is at highest risk of flu complications?
- Children younger than 5, but especially children younger than 2 years old
- People 50 years of age and older
- Pregnant women
- People of any age with certain chronic medical conditions
- People who live in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities
How Can I Prevent the Flu?
The single best way to prevent the flu is to get a flu vaccine each season. Everyone over 6 months of age is recommended to get a flu vaccine each year. The flu vaccine is available in the traditional shot, and in nasal spray form (FluMist®). Flu shots are available for persons over 6 months of age. The flu nasal spray (FluMist®) is available for healthy persons 2 through 49 years of age. People should get vaccinated every year because immunity to influenza viruses decline over time and circulating strains often change from year to year.
In addition to getting the flu vaccine, take extra hygiene precautions to protect yourself and others from the flu:
- Wash your hands often with warm water and soap
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or with your arm when you sneeze or cough
- Avoid close contact with anyone who is sick
- If you do get sick with the flu, say home and away from others for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone
When should I get a Flu Vaccine?
You should get your flu shot as soon as it becomes available each year, however, there is benefit to getting the vaccine later as long as the flu is still circulating.
For more information about seasonal flu, please visit:
