What nobody likes to think about
February 9, 2018
Aphrodite will roll as scheduled
February 9, 2018
The Louisiana Department of Health, Office of Public Health is offering flu vaccines at no cost on Wednesday, January 31 from 1:00 – 4:30 p.m. to anyone who has not received a flu vaccine this year.
AREA LOCATIONS INCLUDE:
• Terrebonne Health Unit – 600 Polk Street, Houma; 985-857-3601
• Lafourche Parish Health Unit – 133 W. 112th Street, Cutoff; 985-632-5567
• Lafourche Parish Health Unit – 2535 Veterans Blvd., Thibodaux; 985-447-0921 The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Louisiana Department of Health recommend a yearly flu shot for everyone over six months of age who does not have a complicating condition, such as a prior allergic reaction to the flu shot. The flu shot starts to offer partial protection immediately but takes about two weeks to offer full protection.
TIPS TO MINIMIZE THE SPREAD OF THE FLU
According to the CDC, Louisiana is among the states with the highest confirmed illness through symptoms and laboratory surveillance.
“In more severe seasons, the flu causes approximately 700 deaths and nearly 8,000 hospitalizations each year,” said Dr. Rebekah Gee, secretary, Louisiana Department of Health.
“In Louisiana we are already on track to meet and possibly exceed these statistics for the current flu season.”
The Louisiana Department of Health offers these reminders to help keep people from spreading the flu:
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• If you have cold symptoms or have fever greater than 100.3, stay away from others until you have not had a fever for 24 hours.
• Call your doctor immediately to see if an antiviral medication is appropriate for you.
• If you are sick, do not visit vulnerable loved ones who may be receiving care in a hospital, nursing home, cancer center or other setting.
• If you are sick, do not kiss babies, pregnant women, grandparents, and others who may be at a higher risk of getting sick.
• Cover your cough and sneeze.
• Try not to touch your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Wash your hands frequently.
• Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with germs like the flu.
• It’s not too late to get a flu shot.
