Lake County Health urges residents to get flu shot

To reduce the risk of illness, public health departments and health care organizations across the state, including the Lake County Health Department/Community Health Center, are encouraging residents to get a flu shot during Vaccinate Illinois Week, Dec. 6-12.

Vaccinate Illinois Week is a statewide observance focused on educating the public about the importance of flu vaccine during the fall and winter months.

"Influenza is a serious disease that can lead to hospitalization and sometimes even death," said Tony Beltran, executive director of the Lake County Health Department. "The single best way to protect against the flu is to get vaccinated each year."

Public health officials recommend that everyone six months of age and older should be vaccinated against influenza, especially pregnant women, young children, people 65 years of age and older, and anyone with underlying health conditions like asthma, diabetes, or a weakened immune system. A flu vaccine is needed every year because flu viruses are constantly changing.

"Flu vaccination can reduce the risk of more serious flu outcomes, like hospitalizations and deaths," said Karyn Lyons, an advanced practice nurse and coordinator of the health department's immunizations clinic.

Several flu vaccine options are available for the 2015-16 flu season, including traditional flu vaccines made to protect against three flu viruses (called trivalent shots), and vaccines made to protect against four different flu viruses (called quadrivalent shots). An egg-free shot for those who have egg allergies has also been approved for people 18 years of age and older.

People with flu can spread it to others as far away as six feet. Symptoms can include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue.

Flu shots are available by appointment only at the Lake County Health Department's Immunizations Clinic at 2303 Dodge Avenue in Waukegan, and at several locations throughout the county. The health department is handing out Walgreens' vouchers for free flu shots for qualifying, uninsured adults while supplies last. To find a flu shot clinic near you, use the Flu Vaccine Finder at: http://www.flu.gov/. For more information, visit the Lake County Health Department website at: http://health.lakecountyil.gov/Population/Pages/Influenza.aspx.