The flu outbreak has been on overload this year in Orange County. It has been reported that there have been three deaths in O.C. and six in California due to the flu. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, urged Americans to keep getting flu shots. If you already received the flu vaccine this season, there is no need to get it again.
Flu season typically peaks in January and February, but easily strikes as late as May. As a service to the community, Norman P. Murray Community and Senior Centerwill once again offer free flu shots to the community on Thurs., Feb. 7 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. You need to be 18 years and older to be eligible.
Studies show that the vaccine is 50 to 70% effective and it is your best defense against the flu. The flu is a respiratory disease and not a stomach or intestinal disease. It is mainly spread through coughs, sneezes or droplets containing germs that land in your mouth or nose. However, it can spread by touching surfaces that have the flu virus on them and then touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
Please stay home if you are sick and cover your cough with your sleeve or a tissue. Wash your hands! You are actually contagious to others the day before you get sick as well as five to seven days after you get sick. Once you have the flu you aren’t likely to get that same strain again, but you can easily get a different flu strain. The flu can last up to two weeks.
If you choose not to get the vaccine, you have zero protection against it. If you are interested in getting a free flu shot, please call 949/470-3062.
