BRUNSWICK, Ga. – What sends 100,000 germs flying through the air at 90 miles per hour? A uncovered sneeze. And that sneeze could contain the flu virus.
That's why Glynn County Health Department officials is encouraging everyone to get vaccinated against the flu. The vaccine will be available at the health department beginning Tuesday.
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Cost for both the injectable (shot) and nasal spray form is $25. A high dose flu vaccine is also being offered for people ages 65 and older, and it is designed to provide the best protection for that age group. The high dose vaccine will be $40 per dose.
Neither the flu shot nor the nasal spray can cause the flu. The shot is approved for use in healthy people 6 months of age and older, people with chronic medical conditions, and pregnant women. The nasal spray is approved for use in healthy people 2 to 49 years of age who are not pregnant.
"Getting vaccinated is the best way to protect against the flu," said Diane Weems, M.D., chief medical officer for the Glynn County Health Department and Coastal Health District. "The flu can cause mild to serious illness and there is no way to predict how serious it will be in each person. Getting vaccinated is the smart thing to do."
The flu virus is easily spread through coughs and sneezes and by touching something with the virus on it and then touching your eyes, nose or mouth. That's why good health habits are also important including staying home when you're sick; avoiding close contact with people who are sick; coughing or sneezing into your elbow and not your hand; washing your hands often with soap and water; and avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
Flu vaccinations will be available at the Glynn County Health Department on a walk-in basis from 8 a.m. to noon, Monday through Friday, or by appointment. For more information please call the Glynn County Health Department at 912-264-3961.
For more information please visit the CDC's influenza website.