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Courtesy City of Laredo Health Department,

Laredo, TX – Influenza season has begun in Laredo and we have confirmed our first cases. There are also reports of other flu related illnesses, other upper respiratory illnesses and hospitalizations  due to complications. We expect this activity to increase in the coming weeks.

Therefore we want to remind the public that everyone 6 months and older should get vaccinated.  The benefits from flu vaccination, includes reduction in illnesses, related doctors’ visits, missed work or school and flu-related hospitalizations and deaths. While there is a variant in one of the viruses different from what is in the vaccine, vaccination can still provide protection and might reduce severe outcomes such as hospitalization and death. 

Yearly as many as 49,000 persons die flu complications in the United States; most of which were preventable if persons had been vaccinated. As in every year, we urge everyone to get vaccinated now “We need to protect the most at risk and the most vulnerable – children younger than 5 years of age, especially less than 18 months and those children, adolescents and adults with underlying health conditions such heart and lung disease (asthma), diabetes, obesity, cancer, and the immunocompromised; pregnant women and the elderly are also at high risk.” said Dr. Hector F. Gonzalez, Director of Health. If you have not been vaccinated yet this season, get your flu vaccine now.

For best protection please:

·         Vaccinate yourself against Flu, at any clinic, doctor’s office, pharmacies, and at:
City of Laredo Health Department’s Immunization Program

2600 Cedar Avenue, Laredo, Texas 78040

Monday – Friday,  8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Cost is $20.00 for adults and $10.00 for children.

Remember:

·         Cover your mouth when coughing into elbow.

·         Wash your hands frequently or use hand sanitizer.

·         Use disposable tissues.

·         Stay home if you are sick. If you have more than 100 degree fever, cough and extreme muscle aches; call your doctor, especially if you are in the groups mentioned above.

·         Also don’t forget to get your pneumonia and Tdap vaccines as well.