Flu activity can occur as early as October and as late as May.
The Burlington County Health Department will host a series of clinics again this year to provide free flu vaccines to county residents. Clinics are scheduled through January and will be held at convenient locations all throughout the county.
“Getting an annual flu shot is one of the best ways you can stay healthy this flu season,” said Deputy Director Linda Hughes. “Other easy habits everyone should practice to stay healthy include, washing your hands often with soap and warm water, covering coughs and sneezes, and staying home when you’re sick.”
The Burlington County Health Department provided more than 1,450 flu vaccinations last year to county residents.
In the United States, flu season occurs in the fall and winter. Seasonal flu activity usually peaks in January or February, but it can occur as early as October and as late as May. For the vaccine to provide full protection against the flu, it takes about two weeks after vaccination for antibodies to develop in the body. Getting vaccinated early in the fall helps to reduce the chances of residents getting sick before the vaccine is able to provide full protection.
Those 65 years and older, children under two, and those with weakened immune systems have a higher risk of experiencing complications from the flu. An annual flu shot is recommended for all residents aged six months and older by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
It can sometimes be hard to tell the difference between a bad cold and the flu, your primary care provider may be able to test you within the first few days of symptoms in order to determine if you have the flu or not. Symptoms of the flu include: 100 degree or higher fever or feeling feverish, cough and/or sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, headaches and/or body aches, chills, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and/or diarrhea (most common in children).
For more information and to complete the required consent form, please contact the Burlington County Health Department at (609) 265–5533 or online at http://www.co.burlington.nj.us/355/Flu-Information. Please bring completed consent forms with you.
