Get Healthy Carson City: Say boo to the flu

The flu, also known as the influenza virus, is a contagious illness that can affect the nose, throat, and sometimes the lungs. The flu is passed onto others when infected people cough, sneeze, or talk. It can cause mild to severe illness and sometimes can lead to death.

Common Flu Symptoms

• Fever or chills

• Cough

• Sore throat

• Runny or stuffy nose

• Muscle or body aches

• Headaches

• Fatigue

• In children, vomiting or diarrhea.

The best way to protect yourself from the flu is with an annual dose. People ages 6 months and older should receive a vaccine every year. It is also recommended that people over 65 years old get the high-dose flu vaccine, which prompts your body’s immune system to create a higher defense against the virus. When more of us are vaccinated, we can protect the most vulnerable in our community and help ease the strain on our healthcare system by preventing hospitalizations and other urgent doctor visits.

Flu season is already here and usually peaks in the wintertime between December and February. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), September and October are good times to get a flu vaccine. Carson City Health and Human Services is here to remind you that there is still time to get your flu vaccine. The Quad-County Public Health Preparedness team will be hosting events throughout Carson, Douglas, Lyon, and Storey counties to help make vaccinations more accessible to the people in our communities.

It is Just the Flu – Until it is Not

The CDC estimates more than 360,00 hospitalizations and 21,00 0 deaths result from influenza each year. Complications from the flu can lead to pneumonia and can make chronic medical problems worse.

People who are more likely to experience serious complications from the flu, include:

• People with chronic medical conditions like asthma, diabetes, heart disease, and kidney disease

• Anyone younger than five or older than 65

• Pregnant people

Although vaccines are the best protection from respiratory illness, you can also protect yourself by practicing good hygiene: washing your hands regularly, sneezing into your elbow or cloth, covering your mouth when you cough, staying home when you feel sick, or wearing a mask. Cleaning commonly used surfaces can also protect you from unseen germs.

Americans have been safely receiving the flu vaccine for over 50 years. Take part in fighting the flu this season by getting your flu shot to protect yourself, your loved ones, and your community.

Come join us at our community flu events:

Carson City: Tuesday, Sept. 24 at the Carson City Senior Center, located at 911 Beverly Drive, Carson City, NV 89706.

Lyon County: Thursday, Sept. 26, at the Yerington Senior Center, located at 117 Tilson Way, Yerington, NV 89447; and Friday, Oct. 11, Mark Twain Community Center, located at 500 Sam Clemens Ave, Dayton 89403.

Douglas County: Friday, Oct. 4, at the Johnson Lane Fire Station, located at 1450 Stephanie Way, Minden 89423.

Storey County: Wednesday, Oct. 2, Storey County Senior Center, located at 100 Mill St, Virginia City 89440

Carson City Health and Human Services will also offer walk-in vaccination clinics every Thursday from 8:30 a.m.-11 a.m. and 1-3 p.m. No appointment necessary.

For information about services and programs available to you through Carson City Health and Human Services, go to gethealthycarsoncity.org, follow us on Facebook www.facebook.com/cchhs, and on Instagram @GetHealthCarsonCity, or call 775-887-2190. You can also find us at 900 E. Long St. in Carson City.