LaredoBuzz.Com

Courtesy Xochitl Mora,

Laredo, TX – The City of Laredo Health Department (CLHD) has not confirmed seasonal FLU yet but we are expecting it soon. Therefore we want everyone to take precautions. Although we do not have any more seasonal FLU vaccine for adults we do have limited seasonal FLU vaccine for children between 6 and 35 months and for older children 3 to 18 year olds.  The cost for the seasonal flu vaccine is $4.00.

We urge parents to bring their children to get vaccinated now and as well to ask their physicians as some also have vaccine for children.

 The CLHD immunization clinic is open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday – Friday.  We also want to remind the public to continue taking precautions as every year more than 36,000 persons die of seasonal FLU and children especially under 5 years of age are at high risk. Please remember the following:

If you are ill with fever (>100), sore throat, cough and flu like symptoms STAY HOME until you are 24 hours free of fever without taking any fever reducing medication.

• If you are part of a high risk group (children under 5 with high fevers) or do not better in 2-3 days call your physician immediately
• Do not immediately go to the Emergency Room as we do not want to burden the health care system with the “worried well” and those with colds, upper respiratory infections and/or uncomplicated FLU.
• FLU is sudden, has fever as above and should last from the minimum of 3 days to as much as 7-10 days. If you have been exposed to FLU that does not mean you will get ill.  Practice good hygiene, as stated below and get vaccinated to protect yourself.

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it and wash your hands.

• If you cough, cough into your elbow, sleeve, or into tissues.  Wash your hands.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze.
• Use alcohol-based hand cleaners often.
• If you feel sick, stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.  Call your doctor.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.

 For more information about H1N1 and seasonal flu, please contact the FLU hotline at 956-795-4921.