morguefile.org
morguefile.org
You don’t have to have the flu in order to spread the flu, according to the McHenry County Department of Health’s (MCDH) annual reminder for the public to receive flu shots.
Even people who aren’t symptomatic are able to pass the virus on to others, which is why MCDH Administrator Mike Hill is urging the vaccine be given even to children as young as 6 months old.
“Flu is a serious and contagious illness,” Susan Karrass, MCDH director of nursing, said in the press release. “A lot of people don’t realize that healthy people can spread it even if they don’t feel sick. Flu shots protect not only you but those around you – especially infants and high risk individuals who can suffer complications from the flu.”
Flu shots are available at a number of community locations. In addition to doctor’s offices and pharmacies, the MCDH will hold a Oct. 18 at the Woodstock Public Library.
The release said vaccines take as long as two weeks to be effective, so get one as soon as possible. The MCDH urged people to washing their hands regularly, shield their mouth and nose when sneezing, and use a sick day if symptoms are present.
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