MCDH encourages prevention as influenza outbreaks increase
McHENRY COUNTY — The McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH) reports an increaseinseasonalinfluenzaoutbreaksandencouragespeopletotakeactiontopreventthe spread of the virus.
Over the past five weeks MCDH has seen a continuous increase from week to week of influenza in McHenry County.
Influenza, or the flu, is a contagious disease that can be serious. High risk groups include:
• People who are 65 and older • Pregnant women
• Young children (under age 5) • People with pre-existing conditions
There are three actions people can take to fight influenza:
• Get vaccinated. Everyone 6-monthsof age and older should get an annualflu vaccine.
• Stop the spread by staying home when sick and avoiding contact with others who are ill. • Cover your cough and wash your hands frequently.
If you do get sick, contact your primary care provider about early treatment with antivirals, which can be used to treat influenza illness by making it milder and shortening the time you are ill.
McHenry County locations offering the influence vaccine can be found by visiting Vaccines.gov.
For more information about influenza, please visit the CDC.
Working to prevent disease and promote health and safety f## all people of McHenry County since 1966
Media Contact: Lindsey Salvatelli Office: (815) 334-4456 2200 N. Seminary Ave. Cell: (815) 236-3238 Woodstock, IL 60098 (815) 334-4510 Fax: (815) 334-4635 MCDH.info April 5, 2022
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