McHenry County Health Department encourages residents to get flu shots

McHenry County Department of Health Administrator Mike Hill is recommending that everyone older than six months be vaccinated against influenza.

The flu vaccine is readily available from your physician, most local pharmacies, and a limited number of health department clinics. Health department appointments are available online at www.mcdh.info.

The next flu clinic will be 3 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 18, at the Woodstock Public Library, 414 Judd St.

The flu season in Illinois usually starts around October and lasts until May.

According to Susan Karras, director of nursing for McHenry County Department of Health, "Flu is a serious and contagious illness. A lot of people don't realize that healthy people can spread it even if they don't feel sick. Flu shots protect not only you but those around you, especially infants and high-risk individuals who can suffer complications from the flu."

The health department joins the CDC in encouraging residents to get vaccinated as early as possible since it takes two weeks before the vaccine provides protection. In addition to getting a flu shot, keep from getting the flu by following the three Cs: clean, cover, and contain.

• Clean - frequently wash your hands with soap and warm water.

• Cover - cover your cough and sneeze.

• Contain - contain your germs by staying home if you are sick.

For more information on the flu, visit www.cdc.gov/flu. And remind those you love to get vaccinated.