Now that colder weather is upon us, it is beginning to feel a lot like flu season. While we have not seen a lot of disease in North Carolina so far this year, we are learning of increased flu activity in other states. Georgia, for example, saw a spike in cases in late November, an important reminder of the need to be immunized against flu.
This year’s flu vaccine includes protection against three strains of flu, including the H1N1 virus, so that means most people will only need one immunization to be protected. Plenty of vaccine is still available in doctor’s offices, pharmacies, grocery stores, and of course, in local health departments.
Last year, we immunized more than 1.6 million North Carolinians against H1N1 flu. But with more than 9 million residents, there were still many more who did not get vaccinated, including more than 100 people in our state who died from flu last year.
While we are no longer in a pandemic, flu is still deadly for very young children, elderly people, and people who have chronic health conditions. Pregnant women also are at risk for complications from flu. Remember, flu vaccine is the safest and most effective way to prevent flu.
With college students coming home for the holidays and relatives visiting from other states, now is a good time to make sure that everyone in your family is protected against flu by being immunized and by emphasizing good handwashing practices in your home.
Visit flu.nc.gov to use our convenient flu vaccine finder.