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CONTACT: Stephanie Marquis, 608-266-1683
IMMUNIZE NOW FOR PROTECTION AGAINST INFLUENZA
MADISON - As local health departments and health care
providers begin hosting flu shot clinics, state health officials are
encouraging people to get immunized against influenza before the coming
winter season.
"Now's the time to get immunized since influenza activity usually
begins in November and there's plenty of vaccine to go around," said
Secretary Karen Timberlake. "We urge those who are at increased risk
for developing complications from influenza to get the vaccine, which
includes children 6 months through 18 years old, adults older than 50, and
those with compromised immune systems."
Contact your health care provider or local health department to be
immunized. Influenza vaccination is recommended for:
- Healthy children 6 months through 18 years of age
- Persons age 50 or older
- Women who are or will be pregnant during the influenza season
- Children and adolescents who are receiving long term aspirin therapy
- Persons 6 months of age or older with compromised immune systems
including those with heart or lung problems, cancer or immunologic
disorders, AIDS and related conditions, kidney disease, cystic
fibrosis, diabetes, anemia, and asthma
- People who live with individuals that are high risk to the
complications of influenza
- Health care workers
A new immunization is needed each year because a new vaccine is
developed for each season as influenza viruses change. Influenza activity
in Wisconsin usually begins in November and peaks in early February.
Although the last several influenza seasons were relatively mild, the
severity of influenza outbreaks each season cannot be predicted. Even
relatively mild influenza seasons are associated with thousands of
hospitalizations and hundreds of deaths.
The symptoms and complications of influenza are more severe than those
of a cold. Influenza viruses infect the respiratory tract (nose, throat,
and lungs). The disease usually begins suddenly and symptoms typically
include fever, headache, malaise (a feeling of being ill and without
energy), cough, sore throat, nasal congestion, and body aches. Influenza
should not be confused with the "stomach flu" that usually
involves symptoms of vomiting and diarrhea.
For more information, visit:
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Last Revised: July 12, 2010
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