Flu Season is Here – But It’s Not Too Late to Get the Flu Shot!

East Wenatchee, WA— Flu season has arrived. Over recent weeks, there has been an increase in the number of cases, hospitalizations and deaths across Washington State. Locally, Chelan and Douglas counties are also experiencing an increase in the number of cases and hospitalizations and one flu related death has been reported in a Chelan County resident in their 90’s.

“The flu vaccine is the best way to protect against the flu,” said Barry Kling, Chelan-Douglas Health District Administrator. “If you haven’t already, now is the time to get your flu shot.” Flu vaccination is recommended for everyone who is 6 months and older. It is particularly important for high-risk groups, which includes children under 5, adults over 65, pregnant women, residents of nursing homes and long-term care facilities, and those with certain medical conditions.

If you get sick with flu symptoms you should stay home, rest, and avoid contact with other people unless you need to seek medical care. Stay home from work or school for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone (without the use of fever-reducing medicine). Most healthy people who get the flu don’t need medical care, however, people with severe symptoms and people with flu symptoms that are in high risk groups, should contact their healthcare provider.

Washington State Department of Health emphasizes that “While the past few weeks have shown a dramatic rise in cases, this is somewhat normal for the flu during the winter months. Every year the flu sickens and kills people throughout Washington – this is why people should get a flu shot – every year.”

Steps to Protecting Yourself and Your Family from the Flu

1. Get the Flu shot

2. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water

3. Cover your cough or sneeze and throw the tissue in the trash after you use it

4. Stay home from school or work when you are sick and for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone (without the use of fever-reducing medicine)

5. Take anti-viral drugs if prescribed by your doctor

Additional Resources:

• The Flu: What to do if you get sick
• 2016 Flu Vaccine Locations in Chelan and Douglas Counties
• Chelan-Douglas Health District Flu webpage
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Flu webpage
• 5 Myths about the Flu