With winter underway and flu season at its peak, the Southeastern Utah Health Department hopes to minimize the amount of flu sufferers this year. The first step in this process is vaccination, but other factors play into prevention as well.
Flu shots are available in all three Southeast Utah Health Departments (Price, Castle Dale and Moab) for adults, seniors 65 and older, and children. State-funded flu vaccines are available for children who qualify. The cost is $25 for those not covered by Medicaid, UMWA or Medicare. Questions? Call your local office for immunization clinic days and times.
The health department also provides these basic prevention tips for reducing the potential for influenza:
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Get vaccinated.
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Take everyday preventive actions to stop the spread of germs.
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Avoid close contact with sick people.
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While sick, limit contact with others as much as possible to keep from infecting them.
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If you are sick with influenza-like illness, stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. (Your fever should be gone for 24 hours without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.)
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Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
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Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
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Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
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Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with germs like the influenza.
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Take antiviral drugs if prescribed by a healthcare provider. These are most effective when given early in the course of illness so seek care early.
For more information about influenza and influenza vaccine recommendations, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention influenza website.