McHenry County offering adults, children flu shots

Submitted by McHenry County Department of Health

McHenry County Department of Health encourages an annual flu shot for everyone 6 months and older as the best protection against influenza. The next walk-in flu clinic for adults and children 9 years and older is scheduled from 4 to 6 p.m. Monday, Oct. 22, at the Crystal Lake office, 100 N, Virginia St. The cost is $30; Medicaid and Medicare Part B accepted. Call (815) 334-4510 for more information.

Flu is a serious and contagious illness — even healthy people can get it. As the flu season is long and unpredictable, the national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends getting a flu shot before flu season begins as it takes two weeks for antibodies to develop to provide protection. A flu shot protects not only you but those around you like pregnant women, young children, people with chronic health conditions such as like asthma, diabetes, heart disease and people, age 65 and older who are especially at risk for complications from the flu. Simple ways to protect yourself also include covering your cough, washing your hands and staying home when sick.

For more flu information, visit cdc.gov/flu/. Get the latest McHenry County health information at mcdh.info, on Facebook and Twitter, twitter.com/mchenrycohealth.