By Haydon Cook Carson City Health and Human Services
Wednesday, October 5, 2022
As summer winds down and we turn to fall, it is time to think about more than changing leaves and pumpkin spice.
In the Unites States, the first week of October marks the beginning of flu season. Flu season is the time when germs from Influenza viruses are most likely to spread within our communities. Signs and symptoms of Influenza include fever, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle pain or body aches, and headache. Symptom severity and longevity can range based on a variety of factors. In some cases, a person can have mild symptoms only ranging for a couple of days, while in other cases, a person can have severe symptoms lasting for a couple of weeks.
Those at increased risk include young children, pregnant people, people 65 years and older, and people with certain chronic health conditions. It should be noted that the flu has been known to cause worsening effects for those with certain existing chronic health conditions such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease, or lung disease. Even if you think you are healthy, there is still the possibility that the flu can lead to other health issues.
You may be asking, “What can I do to prevent the flu?” The best answer to this common question would be, “Get your flu shot!” The CDC encourages that everyone 6 months of age and older get their flu shot each year as it can reduce the burden of flu illness, hospitalization and death within our communities. Getting your flu vaccine is the first and most important step in protecting against the flu virus.
Carson City Health and Human Services will be holding a community vaccination event on Saturday, Oct. 8 at Fuji Park from 9 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. The park is located at 601 Old Clear Creek Road, in Carson City.
The intent of this event is to provide an easily accessible and low-cost way for you and your family to get your flu shot. Vaccinations will be administered on a first-come, first-served basis and will be free.
Proof of insurance will not be needed at this event. High-dose vaccines for those 65 and older will not be available at this event.
If you are a looking for a high-dose flu vaccine, you can stop by the Carson City Senior Center Thursday, Oct. 6 between 9-11 a.m. or you can stop by Carson City Health and Human Services on Thursdays to get your flu shot without an appointment. Bring your insurance card to either of these events or locations.
Additional preventative measures that can help you take action this flu season to minimize the spread of the flu include:
• Avoiding close contact with people who are sick.
• If you are sick, stay home and limit contact with others.
• Cover your coughs and sneezes.
• Wash your hands frequently using soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand rub.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with viruses that cause flu.
Not only does it help you, but it helps keep our community healthy.
For information visit our website at www.gethealthycarsoncity.org or “Like” us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/cchhs.
