Fighting the Flu Seasonal Influenza

Flu Shots for the Seasonal Influenza virus will be available from personal physicians (pediatricians, general practitioners) who register to receive the vaccine. There are no out of pocket expenses for the vaccinations. Priority list (as provided by the Centers for Disease Control http://www.cdc.gov/flu/):             pregnant women             parents and caretakers of children under 6 months old             health care and emergency personnel (EMT, fire, police)             children 6 months to 24 years             adults 25 to 64 with health conditions

Seasonal Flu

             Adults over 65 appear to have immunity to the Seasonal Influenza virus and need only receive a seasonal flu shot as usual. Contact your healthcare provider for a Seasonal flu shot . 
 

Staying Healthy in Flu Season 

            The Nassau County Department of Health reminds residents that the Seasonal Influenza virus, like any other, is spread by human-to-human contact, through the coughing or sneezing of infected people.

            Its symptoms are the same as any other flu, some combination of fever, coughing, sore throat, body aches, chills, lethargy, lack of appetite, nausea, and in some cases vomiting and diarrhea.

To avoid the flu, use your common sense as you would during any other flu season:

•           Cover your nose and mouth when you sneeze or cough (preferably with the crook of your elbow or a handkerchief, not your hands)

•           Wash your hands often with soap and water

•           Avoid touching your face and eyes

•           Avoid close contact with sick people

•           Try to stay in good general health: Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.

•           And if you get sick, please stay home and get well!

            Stay informed by visiting the Nassau County Department of Health website at http://www.nassaucountyny.gov/agencies/Health/index.html. The website is updated regularly as new information becomes available. 
 

Community Emergency Response Team 

The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) is a federally funded, community-based program that provides training and on-going education to better prepare communities and individuals to respond to emergency situations. CERT members may be used during any flu emergencies to help with the distribution of vaccine.

To take the CERT training to become a citizen volunteer, please visit the website for the Nassau County Office of Emergency Management at http://www.nassaucountyny.gov/agencies/OEM/CC/CERT/signup.html.
  

Medical Reserve Corps 

Students in the health professions, practicing, retired or otherwise employed medical professionals such as doctors, dentists, nurses, pharmacists, physicians assistants, veterinarians, and others are eligible to train for the Medical Reserve Corps.

In the event of a flu emergency, MRC unit volunteers would help at vaccination clinics ( (also known as "Points of Distribution" or PODs) that would be based at sites all around Nassau County.

For information about the MRC and volunteer training, please visit the Nassau County website at http://www.nassaucountyny.gov/agencies/health/MRC.html.