Department of Health Reminds Floridians to Protect themselves from the flu

The best way to prevent the flu is to get a flu vaccine.

[Monroe County, Fla.] — The Florida Department of Health in Monroe is reminding all Floridians to get their flu shot before the height of the upcoming flu season. Flu activity can begin as early as October and last as late as May. The best way to avoid the flu this season by getting a flu shot soon.

“The Florida Keys is a popular destination for travelers from all over the globe and flu can travel quickly.  It is imperative that residents and visitors protect themselves from getting sick in the first place. Proper hand hygiene and receiving the flu vaccine can help keep sickness and hospitalizations due to the flu at bay,” says Assistant Nursing Director for the department, Lindsey Cavey.  

The flu vaccine is recommended for everyone six months and older, including pregnant women. It can take up to two weeks after vaccination to develop protection against the flu. The CDC recommends getting a flu vaccine every year as the first and most important step in protecting against influenza and its potentially serious complications. There are many different flu vaccine options this season, which include high dose and adjuvanted vaccine for adults aged 65 years and older.

CDC recommends getting a flu vaccine every year because flu viruses evolve quickly, and last year’s vaccine may not protect against the current year’s flu strain. Even if the flu vaccine does not fully protect against the flu, it may reduce the severity of symptoms and the risk of complications.

Getting vaccinated if you are healthy helps to protect our most vulnerable populations. People at higher risk for flu-related complications include children less than 5, adults over the age of 65, people with compromised immune systems, pregnant women and people who have existing medical conditions, such as asthma and obesity.

The department will be offering free flu shots at the upcoming Lions Club Health Fair Saturday, October 12 from 1 PM to 4 PM at 2405 N Roosevelt Blvd, Key West. 

Visit FluFreeFlorida.com for more information on how to be a part of #FluFreeFL. For more information on influenza and influenza-like illness in Florida, please visit www.floridahealth.gov/floridaflu. 

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