Polk County health officials are advising residents to get their flu shots before Halloween.
Flu season has started, and Florida Department of Health in Polk County officials are advising everyone age 6 months and older to get the shot. Influenza is a potentially serious disease that can lead to hospitalization and sometimes even death.
"Getting vaccinated is the single best way to protect yourself and your family against influenza," said Dr. Ulyee Choe, director of FDOH Polk. "I encourage all Polk County residents to get your flu vaccination before Halloween. Getting it now will provide the maximum amount of protection when you need it most."
It can take up to two weeks after vaccination for the body's immune system to fully respond and for a person to be protected against flu. So the flu can still be caught during the interim, officials said.
Symptoms of the flu may include headache, fever, severe cough, runny nose or body aches.
FDOH-Polk has offered the following tips:
- Get vaccinated yearly since flu viruses change.
- Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or elbow.
- Wash hands often with soap and water. If those are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth since germs are spread this way.
- Avoid close contact with sick people.
Doctors say that those who are sick with a flu-like illness should stay home for at least 24 hours after their fever is gone, unless medical care is needed.