Influenza or “flu” is an infection of the nose, throat, and lungs caused by the influenza virus. Flu is highly contagious and is spread person to person through the air by coughing or sneezing. Symptoms include chills, fever, cough, headache, muscle aches, sore throat, runny nose, and fatigue. Influenza can be a serious illness that causes severe complications such as pneumonia, bronchitis, and sinus infections. Thousands of deaths each year are caused by influenza.
The most important way to prevent influenza is vaccination. The shot (or FluMist) you received last year won’t protect you this year. The best time to be vaccinated is between October and December.
The St. Mary’s County Health Department is holding flu vaccine clinics at Great Mills High School Friday, Nov. 12 from 3:30-6:30 p.m. and at Chopticon High School on Monday, November 29 from 3:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. Flu shots are $20 per individual—Medicare Card holders should bring their cards.