(Wampsville, NY –  Oct. 3, 2013) “The flu is here”, said Eric Faisst, Public Health Director of Madison County Health Department. “Last week we saw our first confirmed case of flu. Now is the time for everyone to get vaccinated.”

It takes the body about two-weeks to gain protection from the flu strains the vaccine protects against. So don’t wait, get vaccinated now. Protect your family and yourself from days of work and school lost to being sick from the flu.

The flu vaccine is offered in the form of a shot and also as a nasal spray. The flu shot is approved for people 6 months of age or older, pregnant women and people with chronic medical conditions. The flu nasal spray is approved for healthy people 2 to 49 years of age who are not pregnant.

Flu symptoms are like those of a cold but occur much faster and stronger. A person with the flu may have a high fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, cough and sore throat. Persons in contact with another who has the flu or persons with flu symptoms should see a health-care provider immediately for antiviral drugs. Antivirals may help reduce the intensity of flu illness if treated within 48 hours of the start of symptoms. Antibiotics do not work against flu.

Madison County Health Department has flu clinics scheduled throughout October and will continue to give flu vaccinations throughout the season. The flu season normally starts in late October and goes until April.

View the schedule of clinics online at www.healthymadisoncounty.org or call our “Flu Schedulers” at 366-2848 for details.