October 5, 2005

Panhandle Health District Offers Flu Vaccine

COEUR d'ALENE, Idaho - Panhandle Health District will hold its first flu vaccination clinic of the season on Nov. 4 in Coeur d'Alene. The clinic is scheduled from 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Community United Methodist Church at 1470 Hanley Ave., across Ramsey Road from Lake City High School.

The flu shot clinic is open to the general public. Cost is $20 and flu shots are covered by Medicare Part B and Medicaid.

Additional flu shot clinics will be announced later this month. Updated information is available by calling the PHD flu information line at (208) 415-5299.   

Flu shots also are available for children. Call PHD at 415-5100 for more information.  

The season for flu, also called influenza, generally runs November through March. Although getting a flu shot may not prevent someone from catching the flu, it could lessen the severity of the illness.

Flu vaccination time is a good time for parents to check on other vaccinations for their children. People over the age of 65 should also talk to their healthcare provider about a pneumonia shot.

• You should not have a flu shot if:
• You are allergic to eggs; the flu vaccine is grown in hens' eggs.
• You have had a severe reaction to a flu shot in the past.
• Individuals with Guillain-Barre syndrome should consult their physician before getting a flu shot.
• Children less than 6 months old
• People who are sick with a fever. (They can receive the vaccine after symptoms lessen.)  

Flu symptoms include a fever, headache, deep cough, sore throat, chills, muscle aches, and a general feeling of being wiped out.

For flu shot information in outlying counties, please call your local Panhandle Health District office:

Benewah County - 245-4556
Bonner County - 263-5159
Boundary County - 267-5558
Shoshone County - 786-7474

During the flu season, and all year long, people are encouraged to take preventive measures to protect their health. These include:  

• Use proper handwashing techniques, especially before eating or after being out in the public
• Stay home from work or school if you are sick
• Cover your mouth if you are sniffling, sneezing or coughing
• Do not share eating utensils, drinking glasses, towels or other personal items
• Refrain from visiting a nursing home if you have a cough or respiratory illness
• Avoid people who may be sneezing or coughing.
• After visiting public places, avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth until you have washed your hands
• Get plenty of rest, exercise and eat healthful foods