December 20, 2005

PHD Offers FluMist Nasal Spray Vaccine

COEUR d'ALENE, Idaho - Panhandle Health District has FluMist nasal spray vaccine available for healthy people ages 5-49. Cost is $14 for adults ages 19-49, and $5 for children ages 5-18.

PHD also has flu shots for children ages 6 months to 23 months and for high-risk children ages 2-18.

Appointments for FluMist or for children's flu shots may be made by calling 415-5100.

Flu shots and FluMist are available for the general public at the Spokane Regional Health District. Information and appointments are available at (509) 324-1643.

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

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 the PHD Flu Information Line at 415-5299 for flu shot information.