HOLLAND (WHTC-AM/FM) — Ottawa and Allegan counties’ health officials are encouraging area residents to get vaccinated against the flu as well as against COVID-19.
To that end, each county has organized vaccine clinics. This week is National Influenza Vaccination Week, an opportunity to urge people to reduce the chance of getting the flu virus.
“As the holiday season approaches and people gather or travel, the potential for the spread of the flu virus increases,” said Lisa Stefanovsky, Ottawa County Health’s administrative officer. “Vaccination against the flu is even more important this year as our local hospitals struggle to maintain care for all health care needs during the current COVID-19 surge we’re experiencing in Ottawa County.”
Anyone, ages six months or older, can be vaccinated against the flu.
People ages five or older can be vaccinated against COVID-19 or get a booster shot at the same time as they get a flu vaccine.
The flu season typically runs from late fall through spring, with a peak in February.
Ottawa County health officials indicated this year, the number of people getting the flu is relatively low, suggesting that efforts to limit a different virus, COVID-19, has also helped reduce flu transmission, thanks to frequent hand washing, social distancing, smaller indoor gatherings, and people wearing masks.
But wit is likely the number of flu cases will continue to rise. Notably, immune protection against the flu decreases over time, so it is possible that many people may have reduced immunity to the flu this season as well.
Flu is a contagious respiratory virus that infects the nose, throat and lungs and is passed from person to person by circulating in the air. Symptoms can include:
- Fever
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Muscle or body aches
- Headaches
- Fatigue
“Be sure to cover coughs and sneezes, sanitize surfaces, practice good hand hygiene and use hand sanitizer when washing isn’t possible, said Toni Bulthuis, Ottawa County’s immunizations supervisor. “In addition to those practices, vaccines are the most effective way to protect yourself. The flu vaccine does not cause influenza infection.”
For vaccine appointments, visit vaccinatewestmi.com; miOttawa.org/Immunize; call (616) 396-5266; or contact your family doctor.
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