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CONTACT: Stephanie Marquis, Communications Director 608-266-1683
PARENTS ENCOURAGED TO VACCINATE CHILDREN AGAINST THE
FLU
Vaccine still available throughout state
MADISON - As reported influenza activity increases in Wisconsin,
state health officials are reminding parents and others that the best
protection against the flu is vaccination.
“Children are more likely to become infected and may experience more
severe flu symptoms than adults,” said Dr. Sheri Johnson, State Health
Officer. “We are particularly concerned for children who have asthma,
chronic respiratory illness and other chronic illnesses, because they are
more vulnerable to serious complications from the flu. However, healthy
children can also acquire serious influenza infections. Anyone who wants
to reduce their risk for flu should get vaccinated. It’s not too late.”
State health officials recommend that all children, especially those
aged six months to five years, be vaccinated against influenza. Local
health departments and many health care providers have flu vaccine
available.
Wisconsin reported its first influenza case in November 2007. The
season is anticipated to continue until the end of April 2008, so there is
still time for the vaccine to provide protection from influenza.
Influenza is a contagious respiratory disease caused by a virus.
Influenza symptoms can come on quickly and include:
- Fever
- Headache
- Dry cough
- Sore throat
- Nasal congestion
- Body aches / tiredness
Ways to stay healthy and to protect you and those around you from
getting the flu include:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water, or use an alcohol-based
waterless hand sanitizer.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with your upper sleeve. If you use a
tissue, throw it away after one use.
- Frequently clean commonly touched surfaces such as doorknobs,
refrigerator handle, telephone, or water faucets.
- Avoid being exposed to people who are sick with flu-like symptoms.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Eat nutritious meals, get plenty of rest and do not smoke.
- Use your own drinking cups and straws.
To learn more about influenza, visit http://dhfs.wisconsin.gov/communicable/influenza/index.htm
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Last Revised: October 24, 2008 |
