Health Department: Plenty of flu vaccine available

Press Release: La Paz County Health Department

The dates are set for the first La Paz County adult flu clinics and the La Paz County Health Department has plenty of vaccine. The influenza vaccine will be provided at Bouse Booster Club on November 4th from 11:00-noon; Desert Gold RV Park in Brenda on November 4th from 1:00-2:00pm and Quartzsite Improvement Association in Quartzsite on November 6th from 4:00-5:00pm. Walk-ins are accepted at the La Paz County Health Department in Parker but call (928) 669-1100 to make sure a nurse is available.

A ten dollar donation for the influenza vaccine is appreciated for the adult vaccine. There is very little wait time with the Health Department influenza vaccine clinics. The Health Department does not bill Medicare for the vaccine so the lines move quickly.

Each flu season is unique, but Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that, on average, approximately 5% to 20% of U.S. residents get the flu. Even though influenza is a common illness, it can have serious complications. Some of the complications caused by flu include bacterial pneumonia, dehydration, and worsening of chronic medical conditions, such as congestive heart failure, asthma, or diabetes. Children may get sinus problems and ear infections as complications from the flu. Those aged 65 years and older and persons of any age with chronic medical conditions are at highest risk for serious complications of flu. More than 200,000 persons are hospitalized for flu-related complications each year. About 36,000 Americans die on average per year from the complications of flu.

If you think you have influenza (abrupt onset of fever, muscle aches and pains, cough and/or sore throat), please contact your health care provider for information on how to treat symptoms.

“Getting the flu shot is an excellent way to prevent getting the flu but it is not the only way. There are prevention techniques available to help prevent the flu,” said Diana Grazier, La Paz County Health Department Director of Nursing.

Though getting your flu shot is the best way to protect against influenza, these simple actions can stop the spread of germs.

• Wash your hands.  Washing your hands often with soap and water or using a hand sanitizer will help protect you from germs.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.  When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.
• If possible, stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick.  You will help prevent others from catching your illness.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing.  It may prevent those around you from getting sick.