Patterson, Health Division remind residents to keep flu at home

Oakland County Health Division encourages residents to get a flu shot in order to prevent the flu from spreading during this holiday season when families and friends get together, County Executive L. Brooks Patterson announced this week. "Our Health Division advises individuals to get vaccinated against the flu before visiting friends and family during the holidays," Patterson said. "And if you do get sick over the holidays, it is best to stay home instead of visiting friends and family." The flu virus can be spread to others as far as six feet away, mainly by droplets made when people with flu cough, sneeze or talk. Less often, a person may also get the flu by touching a surface or object that has flu virus on it and then touching their own eyes, nose or mouth. Washing hands often with soap and water is a proactive way to avoid this. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub. The flu usually comes on suddenly and can cause mild to severe illness, and at times leads to death. People who have the flu often feel some or all of these symptoms: - Fever or feeling feverish/chills - Cough - Sore throat - Runny or stuffy nose - Muscle or body aches - Headaches - Fatigue (tiredness) - Some may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children "Seek medical advice at the first sign of illness," said Kathy Forzley, Health Division manager/health officer. "Those who smoke, have asthma or diabetes, or are overweight may have additional complications from the flu. However, you can still get the flu even if you are healthy." Flu shots are available for $20 at Health Division offices from noon-8 p.m. Monday and 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday. Offices are located at 1200 N. Telegraph Road, Building 34 East in Pontiac, and 27725 Greenfield Road in Southfield. Offices will be closed Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve, and New Year's Day. Residents can pre-register at www.oakgov.com/health and print out a consent form to bring to the clinic where they are pre-enrolled. Online payment options include Visa, MasterCard, Medicare and/or Medicaid. Credit card fees apply. One may also pay cash at the time of the appointment. Those who are unable to register online may call 248-858-7350 or 248-424-7120. For additional information about flu, visit www.oakgov.com/health, contact the Nurse on Call at 800-848-5533, or follow the Health Division on Facebook and Twitter @publichealthOC. Published: Thu, Nov 20, 2014

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