EDITORIAL: Flu vaccine could keep you away from doctor, hospital

Oct. 02--As the temperatures drop, it's time to start thinking of getting your annual influenza vaccination.

The Garfield County Health Department, 2501 Mercer, began offering free influenza vaccinations Monday. Most insurance covers flu vaccinations. Otherwise, the shot costs under $40 in most cases.

Generally speaking, flu vaccination is recommended each year for everyone six months of age and older.

There is less opportunity for flu to spread in families, schools and communities when more people are vaccinated against the flu.

The flu vaccine is formulated each year to keep up with flu viruses as they often change. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends getting vaccinated before the flu starts spreading in your community. After vaccination, it takes around two weeks for flu-protecting antibodies to develop in the body.

The 2017-18 flu season had the highest death toll in at least four decades. An estimated 80,000 Americans died of influenza and complications last year, according to the CDC.

The CDC recommends the following measures to prevent the flu: Avoid close contact, stay home when you are sick, cover your mouth and nose, clean your hands, avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth and practice other good health habits.

Prevention could keep you out of the doctor's office or hospital.

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