Vaccines still available as flu season continues

Thursday, February 11, 2016

With flu season far from over, the Putnam County Health Department would like to remind residents that it is not too late to get vaccinated for the season.

Flu activity most often peaks in February and the season can last until May, so there is still time to get sick, but also time to protect oneself.

The health department offers the flu vaccine for $25. Additionally, the county health department can now process insurance.

Call 658-2782 for more information or to schedule an appointment.

Some flu basics to better protect you and your family and stop the spread of germs are: get vaccinated before you get sick, wash hands often, avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth, avoid close contact with sick people, clean and disinfect surfaces and objects often.

Anyone who starts to show symptoms should also know the difference between a cold and the flu.

People who have the flu will often feel some or all of the following symptoms: fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle/body aches, headaches, tiredness and although more common in children than adults, vomiting and diarrhea.

If you do become sick, see your primary care physician, limit contact with others, throw used Kleenex away and cough into your sleeve/elbow to reduce the spread of germs. Additinally, the Centers for Disease Control recommends you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone.

The Putnam County Health Department is located in the Putnam County Hospital medical office building at 1542 S. Bloomington St., Suite 1500, Greencastle.

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