January Flu Clinics (Video)

Montgomery County doctors are seeing more and more patients with flu-like symptoms as the number of influenza cases across the state (and around the country) are on the rise. MyMCMedia’s Sonya Burke reports.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=L00jZFIKHwQ

After this report was filed, Montgomery County health officials scheduled two flu vaccination clinics in January.

Montgomery County clinics will offer free vaccinations by appointment only on:

Friday, January 18,
(Flu Shots Only)
9 a.m. to 12 noon
Germantown Health Center, 12900 Middlebrook Road, 2nd floor, Germantown

Tuesday, January 22
(Flu Shots Only)
2 to 5 p.m.
Dennis Avenue Health Center, 2000 Dennis Avenue, Silver Spring

To make an online appointment, go to http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/flu or call 311 if you do not have Internet access.

“Flu season is here and I urge anyone who has not been vaccinated to take advantage of these last two clinics,” said County Health Officer Dr. Ulder J. Tillman, “Vaccination is the best way to protect against getting the flu.”

The 2012-2013 seasonal flu vaccine includes protection against the H1N1 and the H3N2 viruses, as well as an influenza B strain. Only one vaccination is needed.

Only injectable vaccine (shots) will be available and there will not be any preservative free injectable vaccine. Injectable vaccine is available to adults and children over six months of age.

County health officials encourage everyone to help prevent the spread of flu and many other contagious diseases by practicing the following good hygiene habits:

• Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue; immediately discard used tissues.

• Sneeze and cough into the upper sleeve; not the hands.

• Wash hands frequently throughout the day.

• Wash hands by scrubbing together for 20 seconds with soap and warm water.

• Stay home from school and work if symptoms develop such as a fever, coughing, sneezing, runny nose, headache and body aches.

For more information about the flu and to make an online appointment, go to http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/flu. Those without Internet access can call 311 to make an appointment.

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