Since the beginning of October the Texas County Health Department has been busy giving flu shots to residents in the county. Besides offering the flu shots at their main office in Houston, employees of the health department have traveled to Licking, Roby, Plato, and Raymondville as well as offered flu shots at the satellite clinics of Cabool and Summersville. Carolyn Bell, Nurse Supervisor, stated “The nursing staff at the health department has given approximately 1800 flu shots since October 1st and we have plenty of vaccine left to continue giving flu shots throughout the flu season”.

The single best way to prevent seasonal flu is to get a flu vaccination each year. You will start to develop protective antibodies in about 2 weeks after you receive your shot. This year there is no shortage of flu vaccine and the health department is encouraging everyone to get the flu shot to reduce the number of flu cases in the county this year. According to Valerie Reese, Epidemiology Specialist with the Texas County Health Department, the last severe flu season was in 2003. The health department has not received reports of any laboratory confirmed cases of flu yet this year.

Keep in mind some of the proactive measures you can take this year to reduce the spread of flu:

*          Get vaccinated

*          Wash your hands

*          Cover your cough

*          Avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth

*          Rest and eat healthy

*          Stay at home if Ill

For more information contact the Texas County Health Department at (417) 967-4131.