Influenza (flu) causes more hospitalizations among young children than any other vaccine-preventable disease, and children younger than 5 are at higher risk for serious flu-related complications. Getting a flu shot can reduce flu illnesses, doctor’s visits, missed work and school days, and prevent flu-related hospitalizations and deaths. Taking preventive actions, such as washing your hands often with soap and water, can help prevent the spread of flu.

Get vaccinated
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends everyone 6 months of age and older get a seasonal flu vaccine. Vaccination is especially important for certain people who are high risk and/or who are in close contact with high-risk persons. This includes children at high risk for developing complications from influenza illness and adults who are close contacts of those children.

Children need a flu shot every year for the best protection against flu. While seasonal influenza outbreaks can happen as early as September, most of the time influenza activity peaks between December and February. Currently, we are in the midst of a very active flu season with widespread and intense flu activity.

Flu vaccines are available at the Oakland County Health Division for $25 at both offices in Pontiac and Southfield. Individuals 65 years and older qualify for a high-dose flu shot, which costs $47. Clinic hours are Mondays, noon – 8 p.m. and Tuesdays through Fridays, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Pre-payment and registration are not available at these walk-in clinics. Health Division offices are located at the following addresses:

• North Oakland Health Center, 1200 N. Telegraph Road, Building 34 East, Pontiac
• South Oakland Health Center, 27725 Greenfield Road, Southfield

Wash hands & disinfect surfaces
Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that are touched often. Follow your school’s standard procedures for routine cleaning and disinfecting. Typically, this means daily sanitizing surfaces and objects such as desks, countertops, doorknobs, computer keyboards, hands-on learning items, faucet handles, phones and toys.

• Clean & Disinfect for Schools: Download 8.5 x 11 Flyer
• Clean & Disinfect for Offices: Download 8.5 x 11 Flyer
• Download “Cleaning and Disinfecting Hard Surfaces” Fact Sheet
• Download “Handwashing” Fact Sheet

Stay Home When Sick
Stay home from work, school and public places when you are sick. You will help prevent others from getting your illness. Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

For up-to-date information about the flu and other public health topics, visit www.oakgov.com/health, follow the Health Division on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest @publichealthOC, or call the Health Division’s Flu Shot Hotline at 800.434.3358. Nurse on Call is also available to answer questions at 800.848.5533.

• Download 8.5 x 11 Flu Prevention Flyers
• Download 11 x 17 Flu Prevention Flyers
• Download “Influenza” Fact Sheet

Hanna Cassise, MPH, is a public health educator with the Oakland County Health Division.