Flu season is upon us!

It is again influenza season and the Tioga County Department of Health wants to remind community residents that it is important to get their flu vaccination. Many local pharmacies and medical providers will be offering the vaccine at convenient hours and locations.

Influenza is a serious disease that can lead to hospitalization and sometimes death. Even healthy people can get very sick from the flu and can easily spread it to others. Each flu season, estimates of flu-associated deaths in the United States range from between 3,000 to 49,000 people per year. Approximately 90 percent of these deaths occur in people 65 years and older. “Flu season” in the United States can begin as early as October and last as late as May.

The New York State Department of Health is also advising parents and health care providers to be aware of the signs and symptoms of enterovirus EV-D68, a serious respiratory illness that has now been confirmed in more than a dozen children in New York State. EV-D68 is causing cases of severe respiratory illness among children and other individuals, sometimes resulting in hospitalization, especially among those with asthma.

Enteroviruses (including influenza) are common infections that are transmitted through close contact with an infected person or by touching objects or surfaces contaminated with the virus and then touching the mouth, nose, or eyes.

Take these steps to protect yourself and others from influenza and EV-D68:

– Be sure to get a flu shot for yourself and each family member!

– Wash your hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds each time.

– Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.

– Avoid kissing, hugging, and sharing cups or eating utensils with people who are sick.

– Disinfect frequently touched surfaces, such as toys and doorknobs, especially if someone is sick.

For more information, contact the Tioga County Department of Health at 687-8600.

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