9/30/15 – Flu season has arrived early this year. The state has received several laboratory confirmed cases from counties in Arizona during the month of September. Flu is a serious illness especially for children under the age of 5, pregnant women, adults 65 and over, and individuals living with chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease. Everyone over the age of 6 months is recommended to get an annual flu shot as soon the vaccine becomes available. Getting your flu vaccine can protect you, as well as those around you.
Signs and symptoms of the flu may include:
Fever, cough, extreme tiredness, sore throat, runny nose, muscle aches, and sometimes nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. It’s important to note that not everyone with flu will have a fever.
The best ways to prevent flu and other respiratory diseases are:
- Wash your hands frequently
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth
- Avoid contact with people who are sick
- Cover your mouth and sneeze
- Clean and disinfect surfaces frequently
- Stay home when you are sick
Navajo County Public Health Services District is a Flu Shot Exercise scheduled for Heber on October 27th at the Heber-Overgaard Fire Department from 8:00-11:00. Flu vaccines will be given out to Heber-Overgaard residents in exchange for a nonperishable food item. Check back for more locations and dates coming up.
Apache County Public Health Services District is offering flu shots in Round Valley located at 323 S. Mountain Ave., Monday – Thursday from 7 AM to 4 PM and in St Johns located at 110 East 1st South, Wednesday afternoons, now through October 28th. Flu shots will also be given on Saturday October 17th, from 10 AM to 2 PM in the Round Valley Annex located at 309 S. Mountain Ave. in Springerville.