Get Vaccinated….. Anyone can get sick from the flu. Influenza is a disease of the nose, throat and lungs. It can cause severe illness in otherwise healthy people. Each year between 3,000 and 50,000 people die from the flu or flu related causes. The best way to protect yourself and your family from the flu is to get vaccinated every year. Flu viruses are unpredictable. Because these viruses are always changing, last season's flu vaccine may not protect against newer viruses. Each season the flu vaccine is updated to protect against the three flu viruses that research indicates will cause the most illness. Annual vaccination is the only way to maintain protection each season. The influenza vaccine is recommended for everyone 6 months of age and older. It's NOT too late to be vaccinated. Talk with your health care provider or call Ontario County Public Health. The health department has plenty of flu vaccine for people of all ages. Please call for more information or to make an appointment (585) 396-4343 or (800) 299-2995.

We will bill your insurance. *BRING YOUR INSURANCE CARD*. For those without health insurance, the Self Pay Cost is $30.00. (Cash or checks accepted).

Please Plan Ahead
**WEAR** short sleeves

If you are unable to attend these clinics, call Ontario County Public Health at
585-396-4343 / 800-299-2995 to schedule an appointment at our office.

INFLUENZA
What You Should Know

WHAT IS INFLUENZA?
Influenza (flu) is a virus that infects the nose, throat, windpipe, and lungs. Influenza spreads easily from one person to another through coughing, sneezing or talking. Influenza infections typically occur between October and April.

WHAT ARE SYMPTOMS OF INFLUENZA?
Symptoms of flu can include fever, chills, muscle aches, congestion, cough, runny nose, and difficulty breathing. Flu can also cause pneumonia, especially in the elderly. Children younger than 4 years of age are at risk for severe illness and hospitalization. Because influenza is a virus, it can not be treated successfully with antibiotics. Washing your hands and covering your cough help prevent transmission of flu, but the BEST way to avoid catching the flu and spreading it to others, is to get vaccinated. FOR A FLU SYMPTOM CHECK LIST CLICK HERE

WHO SHOULD GET THE INFLUENZA VACCINE?
This year, our nation has a new and very simple recommendation to keep our population safe: Everyone 6 months of age and older should get vaccinated! Doing it now will protect you throughout the entire flu season. Some children under 9 years of age who have never received an influenza vaccine may require two doses. Check with your doctor or call your local Health Department to determine how many doses your child will need.

Flu is contagious one to two days before symptoms appear therefore, it can be spread to others before we even know we have it. That is why it is important for everyone to be vaccinated; to protect ourselves as well as our family, friends, and others in the community. The good news is, this year there is no need for a separate H1N1 shot. H1N1 protection is included in this year's vaccine.

IS THE INFLUENZA VACCINE SAFE?
The influenza vaccine is safe and cannot give you the flu. It takes a few days for your flu shot to work. If you get sick shortly after getting your shot it is because you were exposed to the flu virus just before or just after getting vaccinated.

WHERE CAN I RECEIVE THE INFLUENZA VACCINE?
Most physicians' offices carry flu shots for their patients. Many pharmacies are now also offering flu shots. Please check this website for flu clinics being offered by Ontario County Public Health. If you are unable to attend a clinic, please call our office to make an appointment to attend our weekly clinic.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
For more information, contact your health care provider; visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website or call the CDC Info Center at (800)-232-4636.