November 29, 2005

PHD to Hold Last Flu Shot Clinic of Season

COEUR d'ALENE, Idaho - Panhandle Health District will hold its last flu shot clinic of the fall on Friday, Dec. 2.

PHD will offer flu shots from 8:30 a.m. until noon, or until the flu shot supply is exhausted. Cost is $20 and is covered by Medicare Part B or Medicaid. If there are any doses left after the clinic, flu shots will be given by appointment by calling 415-5100.

Those still needing flu shots should contact their private health care providers.

Although the season for flu, also called influenza, generally runs November through March, there has been little flu activity throughout Idaho so far.

While getting a flu shot may not prevent someone from catching the flu, it could lessen the severity of the illness.

Parents also are encouraged to take steps to protect their children against the flu. PHD offers Flu Mist, a nasal spray vaccine for healthy children ages 5-18 years. Cost is $5.

Flu vaccination time also 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.

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.

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.)

Call PHD at 415-5299 for flu shot information.