Public health issues flu reminder

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Greene County News

XENIA — Greene County Public Health reports that a preliminary estimate by federal health officials puts the overall effectiveness of this year’s influenza vaccine at 60 percent. This is about triple the number last year, when the vaccine matched up poorly with the dominant circulating flu strain.

Joseph Bresee, MD, chief of the Centers for Disease Control’s (CDC) Epidemiology and Prevention Branch, stated, “This means that getting a flu vaccine this season reduced the risk of having to go to the doctor because of flu by nearly 60 percent. It’s good news and underscores the importance and the benefit of both annual and ongoing vaccination efforts this season.”

According to the Ohio Department of Health, flu activity is now widespread in Ohio. The CDC reports that since mid-January, flu has been elevated for five straight weeks. Flu seasons average 13 weeks in length.

Public Health officials remind the public that the best weapon available against flu is to receive the vaccine recommended for everyone 6 months and older.

“If it feels like flu and sounds like flu, see your family physician and practice social distancing,” communicable disease nurse Amy Schmitt said.

Greene County Public Health Commissioner Melissa Branum reminds the public to maintain good health by washing hands regularly, covering coughs and sneezes, eating a balanced diet, exercising and getting the right amount of sleep.

The flu vaccine is available at the offices of Greene County Public Health in Xenia. Call 937-374-5600 for an appointment.

Content provided by Greene County Public Health.

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