Influenza has made its seasonal debut in Wisconsin, with more than 50 cases confirmed statewide through testing at the State Lab of Hygiene since October 5th, including at least one in Dane County. The good news is that it is not too late to get some protection, which means getting the flu vaccine sooner than later. It takes about 2 weeks for the shot to take effect.

Some steps you can take to minimize the risk include

• Washing your hands frequently
• Avoiding contact with people who are ill
• Knowing that the symptoms of flu are fever, cough, body aches. (not diarrhea and vomiting)
• Staying HOME when you're sick-don't spread flu to others
• If you are ill, take care of yourself by
o Bed rest
o Drinking lots of fluids
o Using over-the-counter pain medications as needed for body ache (children should NEVER be treated with aspirin. Reyes syndrome, a serious illness, can result).

Public Health recommends that everyone 6 months of age and older get flu vaccine - especially those at high risk of developing serious complications such as pneumonia, including those with underlying health conditions such as asthma, diabetes or heart disease, pregnant women and anyone age 50 and older.

Getting influenza might mean losing up to a week of work and for some, it can be life threatening.

Flu vaccine is now available from your health care provider. Public Health can offer free vaccine at its vaccination clinics to children through 18 years who:
• Are completely uninsured
• Have Medical Assistance or Badger Care
• Have 'major medical insurance' (that does not cover vaccines)

Uninsured adults can get free flu vaccine at any one of our clinics.

Please check the clinic schedule (and locations) at http://www.publichealthmdc.com/documents/ImmClinicSchedules2012.pdf

For more information about the flu, see
https://www.publichealthmdc.com/health-services/immunizations

or
www.cdc.gov/flu/

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NEWS RELEASE
Public Health - Madison & Dane County