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Health officials say get the facts about the flu shot

en. wikipedia

  “The flu isn’t that serious” or “it won’t happen to me,” are common thoughts when it comes to flu season, but local health officials are breaking down those myths and are encouraging everyone to get their flu shots.  

Christie Oestreich is the community health specialist for Oneida County and says people 6 months and older are recommended to get the vaccine. She says young children, pregnant women, people with chronic health conditions like asthma, diabetes or heart and lung disease and people ages 65 years and older are at high risk for flu complications.

"A lot of people get the flu some people can even be hospitalized due to it or even die. A lot of times you’ll hear people say ‘it won’t happen to me,” well the truth is it is contagious so if you’re around someone who has the flu you could potentially get it. So by getting the flu shot you can help prevent that spread and prevent yourself from getting it.”

Oestreich says despite popular belief, you can’t get the flu from getting the vaccine…

“..no that is not true. The vaccine is giving you an inactivated strain of the flu so it’s impossible that it can make you sick. A lot of people mistake that sometimes you feel a little down afterwards, but it’s just your immune system reacting to the shot and working on protecting you.”

Oestreich says living a healthy lifestyle such as exercising and eating well, washing your hands with soap and water or alcohol based hand cleaners and staying home until at least 24 hours after you no longer have a fever are extra precautions people can take to prevent the flu.

The Oneida County Health Department offers flu shots Monday through Friday from 8:30 to 4. Appointments are not necessary.

Community clinics will also be set up on select days in different towns giving flu shots around the Northwoods. To find out the community clinic schedule, contact your local health department.

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