CHENANGO COUNTY – Flu viruses circulate all year long; however, flu activity begins to increase in the fall and continues through the spring in a typical flu season. During most flu seasons, peak flu activity happens between the months of December and February.

Although most people with influenza will recover without issues, influenza can cause serious illness and death, particularly among the elderly, very young children, pregnant women, and those with certain chronic medical conditions such as heart or lung disease, kidney problems, diabetes, asthma, HIV/AIDS, or other illnesses that suppress the immune system.

The best way to prevent influenza is to get a yearly flu vaccine. The influenza virus is constantly changing. Each year, scientists work to determine the virus strains they believe will cause the most illness, and an updated vaccine is made based on their findings and recommendations.

• It is recommended that everyone over the age of 6 months receive an annual influenza vaccine.

• Children between 6 months and 8 years of age may need two doses of flu vaccine to be fully protected from flu. Discuss this with your child's healthcare provider.

• Children younger than 6 months of age are at higher risk of serious flu complications but are too young to get a flu vaccine. Because of this, safeguarding them from the flu is especially important. If you live with or care for an infant younger than 6 months of age, you and others in your family should get vaccinated to help protect them from the flu.

• The best time to get the flu vaccine is before the flu virus starts circulating in your community; however, later vaccination can still be beneficial.

To receive a flu shot, contact your local healthcare provider, a local retail pharmacy, or by contacting the Chenango County Public Health Nursing Division at (607) 337-1660.

You should also practice good healthy habits. Try to avoid close contact with people who you know are sick. If you do get sick, limit contact with others as much as possible to keep from infecting them. Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, throw it in the trash after you use it, and wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth because germs are spread this way. Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated. CDC recommends that you (or your child) stay home for at least 24 hours after a fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. Fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.

For information on the current flu season and how to protect yourself and your family, visit the State Health Department web site at www.health.ny.gov/flu

and https://www.cdc.gov/flu/index.htm

Persons with questions or requiring additional information may contact the Chenango County Health Department at (607) 337-1660.

– From the Chenango County Department of Health