It’s not too late to get the flu… or your vaccine

Photo By Sgt. Grace L. Waladkewics | With flu season at its peak, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggest avoid contact with sick people; while sick, limit contact with others and stay home if possible; cover mouth and nose while coughing and sneezing; and avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth. According to the CDC another essential part of preventing the spread of the flu virus is properly washing and sanitizing hands regularly. To wash your hands, wet your hands with clean running water and apply antibacterial soap. Rub hands together to lather and scrub well; making sure to clean the backs of your hands and underneath the fingernails as well. Continue rubbing hands for approximately 20 seconds. Rinse, and dry your hands using a clean towel or by air drying. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Sgt. Grace L. Waladkewics/Released)  

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, NC, UNITED STATES

02.04.2016

Story by Sgt. Grace L. Waladkewics 

Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point

CHERRY POINT MCAS, N.C. - As winter weather arrives in North Carolina, for many, it comes with head and body aches, chills, fatigue and fever. The influenza virus, commonly known as “the flu” kills an average of 23,000 people each year in the United States according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The CDC states that cases of the flu peak in February and can often last into May, which is why the CDC stresses it is not too late to receive the annual vaccine. More than 145.8 million doses of the flu vaccine have been distributed in the United States and the flu vaccine is recommended for all persons six months old and older.

Naval Health Clinic Cherry Point started administering immunizations in early fall.

The Naval Health Clinic recommends several additional preventative measures to ensure the minimal spread of the virus this year. Those measures include: avoid contact with sick people; while sick, limit contact with others and stay home if possible; cover mouth and nose while coughing and sneezing; wash hands often; and avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth.

The CDC offers additional tips on preventing the spread of the flu to include cleaning and disinfecting surfaces and objects that may be contaminated, encouraging all workers to get the flu vaccine, and keeping sanitizer and disinfectant hand soaps readily available.

The seasonal flu shot does not contain the live influenza virus and will not result in illness. The intranasal spray does contain a live virus, but according to the CDC, the virus is weakened to the point that it will not result in illness for the person receiving the spray.

For more information about the flu, or how to get vaccinated, contact the Cherry Point Immunization Clinic at (252)-466-0328.

• Date Taken: 02.04.2016
• Date Posted: 02.05.2016 08:04
• Story ID: 187937
• Location: MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, NC, US
• Hometown: FAYETTEVILLE, NC, US
• Hometown: HAVELOCK, NC, US
• Hometown: JACKSONVILLE, NC, US