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Accredited Health Department
Onondaga County Health Department is nationally accredited and meets rigorous public health standards necessary to best serve the needs of our community.
 
     

Flu and Pneumonia

 

get a Flu Vaccine

Did you know? That anyone even young, healthy adults can get sick from the flu and spread it to others. Buzz buzz (text message: You coming out tonight? I can't I have the flu. My niece and girlfriend have it now too.) The short time it will take you to get a flu vaccine. Can help protect you and the ones you love. The flu vaccine is safe and does not cause the flu. #FightFlu

 

What is the flu (influenza)?
The flu is a serious and contagious respiratory illness caused by the influenza viruses.


What are the Symptoms of Flu?
Symptoms of flu may include:

  • Fever or feeling feverish
  • Chills
  • Cough
  • Sore throat
  • Runny or stuffy nose
  • Muscle or body aches
  • Headache
  • Fatigue
  • Occasionally vomiting and diarrhea

How is the flu spread?
The flu is spread by droplets made when people with the flu cough, sneeze or talk. Droplets can travel as far as six feet away. It can also spread by people touching surfaces that have flu virus on it and touching their eyes, nose, or mouth.

Stay Healthy This Winter
     

Who is at highest risk of flu complications?

  • Children younger than 5, but especially children younger than 2 years old
  • People 65 years of age and older
  • Pregnant women
  • People of any age with chronic medical conditions such as athsma and a weakened immune system
  • People who live in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities

How can I prevent the flu?
The single best way to prevent the flu is to get a flu vaccine each season. Everyone over 6 months of age is recommended to get a flu vaccine each year. Flu vaccines are available for persons over 6 months of age. FluMist® is available for healthy people 2-49 years of age. People should get vaccinated every year because immunity to influenza viruses decline over time and circulating strains often change from year to year.

In addition to getting the flu vaccine, take extra hygiene precautions to protect yourself and others from the flu:

  • Wash your hands often with warm water and soap
  • Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or with your arm when you sneeze or cough
  • Avoid close contact with anyone who is sick
  • If you do get sick with the flu, stay home and away from others for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone

Call your medical provider as soon as you feel ill, especially if you have medical conditions, so that you may be prescribed antiviral medications.

When should I get a flu vaccine?
You should get your flu vaccine as soon as it becomes available each year, however, there is benefit to getting the vaccine later as long as the flu is still circulating.

Where can I get my flu shot?
Talk to your health care provider or pharmacist about getting a flu vaccine today! If you do not have health insurance, call the Onondaga County Health Department at 315.435.2000 to see about the availability of flu vaccine at our immunization clinic.

 

Flu Data

     

The common cold, flu, and COVID-19 all have similar symptoms.

It can be tough to tell the difference. These are common signs, but your symptoms may be more or less severe, or you may only have a few. If you feel sick, stay home and call your doctor to discuss how you’re feeling and whether you need to get tested and treated. Get vaccinated for flu every year and stay up-to-date on your COVID-19 vaccines!

 

Cold, flu, or covid

 

 

 

Flu Prevention Flyers to Download, Print, and Post!

Cold and Flu Season is Here STOP Flu Flyer  Stay Home if Sick Flyer

  

Flu Vaccine Who Needs a Flu Vaccine  

For more information about seasonal flu, please visit:

 New York State Department of Health

 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

 

Pneumococcal Vaccine Recommendations
The CDC recommends pneumococcal vaccine (also called the pneumonia shot) for all adults over 65, and for adults 18 – 64 with long term health problems, conditions or medications that lower the body’s resistance to infection, and for those who smoke or have asthma. Adults age 65 and older should receive a series of two different types of pneumococcal vaccine. They should routinely receive PCV13 and PPSV23 at least 12 months apart
 
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