Flu season near, shots are available

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Local county health departments and other health care providers began giving seasonal flu shots Oct. 1.

It is recommended that everyone from six months and older get a flu shot each season. It is the most effective way to prevent flu illness. The flu vaccine helps prevent a person from getting the flu or lessens the severity of the illness should you contact it.

During last year's flu season, 3,580 persons were hospitalized with flu related illness. This number includes 383 children under the age of four years and 85 Oklahomans died, three of the deaths were three children under the age of 17 years.

The Center for Disease Control has worked with vaccine manufacturers to have extra flu vaccines available with this flu season and Oklahoma will distribute 400,000 flu vaccine doses to ensure the vaccine is available. The CDC recommends a vaccine before the end of October.

While the flu vaccine will not prevent COVID-19, it will reduce the burden of flu illnesses and help cut down on the burden of the health care workers and hospitalizations leaving the beds available for corona virus patients.

Flu shots are available at various places, health departments, doctors offices, clinics, Walmarts, Walgreen and various stores. You can find a place nearest you of vaccine providers by looking on VaccineFinder.org.

It is highly recommended that everyone get a flu shot. It is a great way to help prevent the spread of influenza in the community. The Oklahoma Department of Health reminds everyone to follow these prevention tips.

1. Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place or after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing. If you are not in an area where soap and water is readily available, hand sanitizer that is at least 60 percent alcohol is an acceptable way of cleansing your hands.

2. If you are outside of your home, put at least six feet of distance between you and the other person.

3. Wear a mask if you are in a public setting or around people that do not live in your household.

4. If you feel ill, stay home.

5. Avoid contact with anyone who is sick.

6. Clean and disinfect frequently used surfaces.

7. Be alert for symptoms such as a fever, cough, shortness of breath or other respiratory symptoms.