McHenry County Department of Health
(MCDH) will host a flu clinic on Saturday, December 6 from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.,
at the Wonder Lake Chamber of Commerce, 7602 Hancock Drive, in Wonder Lake.
Staff will administer the trivalent flu vaccine which will protect residents
against three strains of the flu – two A’s (H3N2, H1N1) and influenza B.
Appointments for adults and children 9 years and older can be made at
815-334-4510 or online at www.mcdh.info.
The cost is $30; Medicaid and Medicare Part B accepted.
As the holidays get closer, it is
important to get vaccinated now as it takes two weeks for antibodies to develop
in the body that will protect against flu virus infection. Most of the
time flu activity peaks between December and February, although activity can
last as late as May.
The Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC) encourages a yearly flu shot for everyone 6 months and older
as the first and most important step in protecting against flu and its
potentially serious complications. A flu shot not only reduces flu
illnesses but also doctors' visits, missed work and school due to flu, as well
as prevent flu-related hospitalizations and deaths.
Protect yourself and those around you
who are most vulnerable like pregnant women, young children, people with
chronic health conditions (like asthma, diabetes, heart disease) and people 65
and older who are especially at risk for complications from the flu.
Always remember to cover your cough, wash your hands and stay home when
sick.
For more information on protecting
yourself from influenza, visit the CDC at http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/keyfacts.htm.
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