Special Release – The flu continues to be on the rise in Brown County.  Please do your part in preventing the continued circulation.  The flu can be miserable at best, but can lead to serious illness that can include death.  Approximately 84 pediatric deaths have been reported this flu season here in the United States. Local cases this season are reported at more than double numbers above last year with several weeks remaining in the season.

 

 

The Brownwood-Brown County Health Department and the CDC recommend influenza vaccinations for persons 6 months or older.  Even at this time in the flu season the vaccine can contribute greatly to preventing the flu through the weeks of continued circulation.  After receiving the flu vaccine, you are 25% less likely to get the flu and 36% less likely to need to see a doctor if you get the flu because symptoms are not as severe.

Watch for these symptoms:

  • Fever or feeling feverish/chills (not everyone has fever)
  • Cough
  • Sore throat
  • Runny or stuffy nose
  • Muscle or body aches
  • Headaches
  • Fatigue (very tired)
  • Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in young children than in adults.

If you have flu symptoms, contact your doctor to see if an antiviral medication would be a good choice for you.  An antiviral medication could help shorten the length of time and severity of the symptoms of the flu.

While you have the flu stay home. Once exposed to the flu you may be contagious for several days before you become sick and can remain contagious for 5-7 days after you start feeling ill.  Please be respectful of those who may be a greater risk for complications of the flu (young children, elderly, or those with other illness).  If you are sick, stay away from others!

Most flu is spread through air borne droplets that are disbursed when you cough or sneeze.  Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze and wash your hands often.  Caregivers should wash their hands after touching a sick person or items they have used.

Cleaning public or shared areas or in areas where persons with flu have been is an important part of stopping the spread of flu.  The flu virus can live on surfaces, like a door handle, for 24 hours, thus increasing flu exposure long after the person has been in an area.  Cleaning surfaces with products containing chlorine, hydrogen peroxide, or other disinfectants can help reduce continued spread of the flu.

For more information on the local 2017-18 flu season, visit us on Facebook at Brownwood-Brown County Health Department or visit CDC.gov/flu for national updates.

Brownwood/Brown County Health Department is now offering flu vaccine at NO out of pocket expense; please note quantities are limited.    Call us for availability of vaccine for 4 year olds and younger.

Brownwood-Brown County Health Department – 510 E. Lee St., Brownwood, TX 76801 – 325-646-0554

Monday-Friday 8-11:30, 1-4:30, Wednesday 7:30AM – 6PM (open during lunch)