The City of Amarillo says that flu season is here, and if you haven't been vaccinated, the time to get it is now.
We've included the press release exactly as they sent it to us.
Press Release: Influenza Activity
Since the first week of January, Potter and Randall Counties have experienced an increase in influenza activity. Trends show that flu season is in full swing.
Currently, the Department of Public Health recommends that individuals receive their flu vaccination now if they haven't already done so. "It is still important for citizens to receive an influenza vaccination now. While we would like for individuals to receive vaccinations between October and December, getting a flu shot now may still offer some protection and decrease time of illness." said Roger Smalligan, MD, MPH, Health Authority for Potter and Randall Counties. While everyone should get their flu shot, prevention is extremely important for individuals considered high-risk.
Persons in high-risk categories include the following:
1. Children aged 6 months-5 years,
2. Pregnant women,
3. Persons aged >50 years,
4. Residents of long-term care facilities,
5. Persons of any age with certain chronic medical conditions; and
6. Household contacts who have frequent contact with persons at high risk and who can transmit influenza to those persons at high risk and
7. Health-care workers,
8. Persons who wish to reduce their risk of becoming ill with influenza or of transmitting influenza to others
Also recommended are the following influenza prevention steps:
1. Cover your cough,
2. Wash hands frequently,
3. Stay home if running a fever,
4. Seek medical attention if necessary
According to Matt Richardson, Director of the Department of Public Health for the City of Amarillo, the department will continue to carefully monitor the community for influenza activity. Local physicians and hospitals voluntarily report positive flu tests and influenza-like-illness to the department on a weekly basis. The reports are compiled to show any increase or decrease in activity. This monitoring will continue until April when influenza activity usually ceases.
