Here Comes the 2016-2017 Influenza Season. Be sure you and your family get vaccinated against the flu!

Getting an annual flu vaccine is the first and best way to protect yourself and your family from the flu. Flu vaccination can reduce flu illnesses, doctors’ visits, and missed work and school due to flu, as well as prevent flu-related hospitalizations. The more people who get vaccinated, the more people will be protected from flu, including older people, very young children, pregnant women and people with certain health conditions who are more vulnerable to serious flu complications.

Here is what is new this flu season: 

• Only injectable flu shots are recommended for use this season.
• Flu vaccines have been updated to better match circulating viruses.
• There will be some new vaccines on the market this season.
• The recommendations for vaccination of people with egg allergies have changed.

Jefferson County Public Health (JCPH) recommends everyone 6 months and older get a flu vaccine each year, preferably in the fall before the U.S. flu season begins. Flu season can begin as early as October and can last as late as April or May. Remember that influenza is a respiratory illness that can cause life-threatening complications.

Do your part to stop the flu by getting an annual flu vaccination, washing your hands frequently with soap and water (use anti-bacterial gel if soap and water are not available), and covering your sneezes and coughs with a tissue or your elbow.

And, take extra care of yourself as the temperatures change and cold and flu season begins:

• Get extra rest; 
• For aches, take whatever your doctor or pharmacist recommends; 
• For cough and mucus, run a humidifier (especially in this dry Colorado air!); and, 
• Drink 8-12 glasses (8 oz) of fluids daily, such as water or juice. 

Flu vaccination is the best way to prevent flu illness this season. Flu vaccines are offered at JCPH by appointment and there is an administrative fee of $21.68 per vaccine. Make an appointment by calling JCPH’s clinic appointment line at 303-239-7078. Get more information by visiting the JCPH influenza web page.