Flu Season Arriving as Expected

Flu Season Arriving as Expected

Mission Hospital in Asheville has announced visitation limitations due to the seasonal increase of influenza.  “I expect other local and regional hospitals and long-term care facilities to follow this trend as influenza becomes more prevalent in our communities”, according to Janice Patterson, Clay County Health Director.

February is typically the peak month for flu activity in our communities.   There are precautions we can all take to protect ourselves from the flu.  Everyone should remember to wash or sanitize their hands frequently.  Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue and if you are sick, please stay home so others will not be exposed.

There has already been one death in North Carolina attributed to the flu.  Individuals with chronic health problems, teenagers and younger children are especially susceptible to complications including death from the flu.

Vaccination for the flu is an effective way to protect yourself and those around you that might be at risk for flu complications.  The vaccine is available at doctors’ offices or at the Clay County Health Department.  Clay County Health Department will be giving the remainder of their flu vaccines for $20 until the supply is exhausted.  Flu vaccination is covered by Medicare and Medicaid.  Children under the age of 18 are eligible to receive free vaccine provided by North Carolina Public Health.

Please contact Clay County Health Department for any questions or to schedule a flu vaccination at 828-389-8052