Influenza (The Flu)
The Licking County Health Department administers flu vaccine to residents to reduce the spread of influenza each winter.
The vaccines are provided according to Ohio Department of Health and U.S. Centers for Disease Control guidelines. Priority is given to the population that is most at risk of developing severe illness or dying as a result of influenza infection.
Flu vaccine is recommended for:
- Persons ages 50 years and older
- Women who will be in the second or third trimester of pregnancy during the flu season
- Anyone 2 to 50 years old with underlying health problems or chronic conditions (i.e. diabetes)
- Residents of nursing homes and other chronic-care facilities
- All children 6 months to 5 years old and children 5 to 18 years old who live with a child under age 5.
Flu Facts:
- The flu virus causes a respiratory illness characterized by abrupt onset of fever, muscle soreness, sore throat, and nonproductive cough. It can cause severe malaise lasting several days.
- Despite what some people say, the flu vaccine cannot give you the flu. It contains no "live" viruses.
- Some people coincidentally catch a cold a week or two following immunization. This is not a result of their flu shot, the flu is not a cold.
- To be protected, you must be immunized every year. Flu viruses vary from year to year, and the flu vaccine addresses these changes. Some people are not candidates for immunization and should seek medical advice before getting a flu shot.
Pandemic Influenza