LaredoBuzz.Com

Courtesy Xochitl Mora,

Laredo, TX – – Have you gotten your FLU shot yet? If not, it’s still not too late. In fact, now is still a great time to get vaccinated. While it is true that there are groups of people at higher risks for complications from flu, the flu doesn’t discriminate and can impact both the frail and healthy in severe ways. The FLU shot protects against several strains of influenza and reduces the risk of complication by other respiratory issues. Currently there are other respiratory infections that make the public think it’s FLU such as the common cold, pneumonia, RSV, sinusitis, bronchitis, chronic bronchitis and allergies but it is not.  Therefore we urge everyone to protect themselves against FLU by getting vaccinated.

Finally some persons think the flu shot can give you the flu, the fact is the flu vaccine can’t give you flu. The injectable flu vaccine contains killed influenza viruses and side effects typically include soreness where the flu shot was given and sometimes aches or a low-grade fever. It typically takes about two weeks after getting vaccinated for antibodies to develop and for your body to be fully protected, which is why it is better not to wait until flu season begins to get vaccinated. You are still less likely to have serious complications from the flu if you have had the shot.

What are FLU symptoms?  “Flu” is sudden and symptoms include:
 -Sudden fever (100.4° F or more)
 -Headache, tiredness (sometimes extreme)
 –Dry cough, Sore throat
 -Healthy individuals will find it hard to get out of bed due to extreme body aches

Who should get vaccinated? EVERYONE, but especially:

• Children 6 months and older
• Pregnant women
• People 50 years of age and older
• People of any age with certain chronic medical conditions
• People who live in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities
• People who live with or care for those at high risk for complications from flu, including:               
  1. Health care workers
  2. Household contacts of persons at high risk for complications from the flu
  3. Household contacts and home caregivers of children less than 6 months of age (these children are too young to be vaccinated), daycare employees 

Prevent spreading the FLU to your loved ones and others by:

• Covering your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze.
• Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
• If you get the flu, stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
• Do not share personal items that may be contaminated with respiratory germs.

 Public health officials urge those with flu-like illnesses to carefully consider their health and the health of others when deciding whether to attend holiday activities and events. Those who are ill with fever and cough or sore throat should stay home and avoid contact with others at holiday or family gatherings. While we know missing a special occasion is a disappointment, no one wants to be responsible for a potentially serious illness among family or friends. 

For more information about the flu or flu vaccine contact the City of Laredo Health Department at

 956-795-4951.