If you have not gotten vaccinated against the flu as of yet, you should get vaccinated now— it’s not too late!

Contact us at the Wayland Health Department if you are still in need of receiving a flu vaccine at 508-358-3617 or email rmori@wayland.ma.us so we can get you vaccinated!

 Flu activity continues to increase in the United States, with widespread activity in over 35 states, including Massachusetts. Flu vaccination can reduce flu illnesses, doctors’ visits, and missed work and school due to flu, as well as prevent flu-related hospitalizations. If you have not gotten vaccinated yet this season, you should get vaccinated now— it’s not too late!

Healthy people can get very sick from the flu and spread it to friends and loved ones. The following are the most important steps to help protect your family against the flu this season.

Take 3 Steps to Fight Flu

The first and best way to protect against the flu is to get vaccinated every flu season.

• Everyone 6 months of age and older is recommended to get vaccinated against the flu every year, with rare exceptions(https://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/whoshouldvax.htm#flu-shot).

Take everyday preventative actions to stop the spread of germs.

• If possible, try to avoid close contact with sick people.
• If you do get sick, limit contact with others as much as possible to keep from infecting them.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub. Also, clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with germs like the flu.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth because germs spread this way.
• Cover mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.

Take flu antiviral drugs if your doctor prescribes them.

• If you get sick with the flu, antiviral drugs can be used to treat your illness. CDC recommends rapid treatment of seriously ill and high risk suspect flu patients with influenza antiviral drugs.