Denton County Public Health is recognizing National Influenza Vaccination Week by urging community members to get their flu vaccine to protect themselves and others this week, the department announced Tuesday.
NIVW serves as an annual reminder that even though flu season has arrived, it is not too late to get a flu vaccine, DCPH said in a news release. Though the severity of each flu season in Denton County can be unpredictable, seasonal flu activity increases in the fall and tends to peak between December through February.
“We’ve seen a local increase in flu activity, and we want to remind everyone that getting your annual flu shot is the best way to protect ourselves as we enter this holiday season,” said Dr. Matt Richardson, Director of Public Health.
DCPH recommends a three-pronged approach to fighting the flu:
- Get vaccinated. The best way to protect yourself and your family from the flu is to get an annual flu shot, and the flu vaccination is recommended for everyone 6 months and older.
- Take everyday preventive actions to help stop the spread of germs. Wearing a mask, washing and sanitizing your hands often, and staying home when feeling unwell can help prevent many respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19, influenza and respiratory syncytial virus.
- Remember that antiviral medications are a second-line defense against the flu. If you are experiencing fever, runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, cough, muscle aches and headaches, visit your doctor immediately, and take antivirals if prescribed. These remedies can help you recover quicker and can potentially prevent you from being hospitalized with flu complications.
DCPH reminds residents that vaccination is a community effort that not only protects you, but also family, friends and those around you, the department said in a statement on Tuesday.
Vaccinating also helps safeguard those who are at the highest risk of complications or death from the flu, including:
- Pregnant women and women up to two weeks postpartum
- Children younger than five
- Adults 65 years of age and older
- People living in long-term care facilities
- Non-Hispanic Blacks, Hispanic or Latinos, and American Indians and Alaskan Natives
- People with chronic health conditions such as asthma, neurological and neurodevelopmental conditions, chronic lung disease, heart disease, diabetes, weakened immune system due to disease or medication, kidney and liver disorders, and people with extreme obesity.
Visit dentoncounty.gov/flu and CDC.gov/flu for details about symptoms, treatment and prevention.
