Seasonal Influenza

Seasonal influenza causes an average of 36,000 deaths each year in the United States, mostly among the elderly.

• Influenza (flu) is a highly infectious disease of the lungs, and it can lead to pneumonia. Each year about 114,000 people in the U.S. are hospitalized and about 36,000 people die because of the flu. Most who die are 65 years and older. But children younger than 2 years old are as likely as those over 65 to have to go to the hospital because of the flu.
  
• The influenza virus is spread when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. The virus is then sent into the air allowing other people to inhale it. Unlike many other viral respiratory infections, such as the common cold, the flu can cause severe illness and life-threatening complications in many people.
  
• Getting the influenza vaccine is the best way to prevent the flu. It will help in preventing the spread throughout the community.
  
• Flu vaccine protects most people from the flu. A person who receives flu vaccine can get the flu but will be far less sick than someone who has flu and has not received flu vaccine. Flu vaccine does not protect you from other viruses that sometimes feel like the flu.
  
  

During Flu Season, Get Your Flu Vaccine at Public Health!

Everyone can get their flu vaccine at the Cerro Gordo County Department of Public Health, 22 N. Georgia Ave. Suite 300. Public Health is located on the 3rd floor of Mohawk Square in downtown Mason City. For information on immunizations, call our clinic: (641) 421-9321 or Toll Free: 1-888-264-2581

 

Public Health Immunization Clinic Hours

Monday-Friday 10 AM to Noon and 12:30- to 4 PM Extended Clinic Hours: 1st Monday of each month 10 a.m. to 12:00 and 12:30- 6:30 p.m.

Who Should Get a Flu Vaccine?

People age 50 and older Anyone living in a long-term care facility Anyone with long-term health problems (heart disease, lung disease, asthma,kidney disease, metabolic diseases such as diabetes and anyone with anemia and other blood disorders) Teenagers Caregivers College students Healthy children ages 6 months and older Anyone with a weakened immune system Pregnant women past third month ... Anyone who wants to reduce their risk of getting influenza!