Pass the turkey instead of the flu this Thanksgiving by getting your flu shot right away. Flu season is just getting started, so if you are not yet vaccinated, contact your local county health department (phone numbers for health departments in the North Georgia Health District can be found by clicking on the above LOCATIONS tab) or private healthcare provider as soon as possible.
Also protect yourself and others against the flu by:
- Avoiding close contact with sick people.
- Limiting contact with others while you’re sick to keep from infecting them.
- Staying home if sick with flu-like symptoms – such as fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, runny nose, fatigue or vomiting and/or diarrhea – for at least 24 hours after fever is gone without the aid of medication.
- Covering your nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing, then throw the tissue away.
- Washing your hands often with soap and water, if available – if not available, then use an alcohol-based hand rub.
- Avoiding touching your eyes, nose and mouth – germs spread this way.
- Cleaning and disinfecting surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with germs like the flu.
For more information about influenza, its prevention and treatment, log onto the CDC website at www.cdc.gov/flu.