Florida Department of Health Reminds Floridians to Protect Themselves from the Flu

The best way to prevent the flu is to get a flu vaccine.

Contact:
Mandy Pitt
meranda.pitt@flhealth.gov
941-624-7200 ext 7329

Port Charlotte, Fla. — The Florida Department of Health in Charlotte County is reminding all
Floridians to get their flu shot before the height of the upcoming flu season. Flu activity can
begin as early as October and last as late as May. The best way to avoid the flu this season by
getting a flu shot soon. As the time of year for family gatherings is quickly approaching, we
want to remind Charlotte County to spread joy this holiday season, not the flu.

Prevention is key. “Frequently washing your hands, staying home while sick, and receiving a flu shot are the best ways to protect against and prevent the spread of the influenza virus,” said Joseph Pepe, Health Officer for the Florida Department of Health in Charlotte County.

The flu vaccine is recommended for everyone six months and older, including pregnant women.  It can take up to two weeks after vaccination to develop protection against the flu. The Centers  for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends getting a flu vaccine every year as the first and most important step in protecting against influenza and its potentially serious complications. There are many different flu vaccine options this season, which include high dose and adjuvanted vaccine for adults aged 65 years and older.

CDC recommends getting a flu vaccine every year because flu viruses evolve quickly, and last
year’s vaccine may not protect against the current year’s flu strain. Even if the flu vaccine does not fully protect against the flu, it may reduce the severity of symptoms and the risk of
complications.

Getting vaccinated if you are healthy helps to protect our most vulnerable populations. People at higher risk for flu-related complications include children less than 5, adults over the age of 65, people with compromised immune systems, pregnant women and people who have existing medical conditions, such as asthma and obesity.

Visit FluFreeFlorida.com for more information on how to be a part of #FluFreeFL. For more
information on influenza and influenza-like illness in Florida, please visit www.floridahealth.gov/floridaflu.

About the Florida Department of Health
The department, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, works to
protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.