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Influenza (flu) Information


Every year we experience some common milestones in the fall.  The weather turns cooler, the leaves change colors, and children put on scary costumes in search of candy.  The other thing that happens every year like clockwork is the arrival of the Flu virus.

Influenza (Flu) is a respiratory illness, and is one of the most common illnesses in humans.   Every year more than 15 million people get the Flu, and some 200,000 people are hospitalized from complications.  The Flu is different from a cold.   Colds are usually milder than the Flu, and generally do not cause major health problems.

Preventing the Flu
Because the Flu is preventable, the best thing you can do is to get the Flu vaccine every year starting in the fall.  The Flu season can last through May, so if you don’t get the vaccine in the fall, you can still get it throughout winter.  The vaccine is especially helpful for the elderly, young children, and people with chronic diseases.  And remember:  getting the vaccine will not give you the Flu.

Practicing other healthy habits like getting adequate sleep, eating a nutritious diet, and getting exercise can help prevent the flu, as well as many other conditions and diseases.  “Healthy living on a daily basis offers many benefits.  It can help prevent illness or help you recover from illnesses more quickly,” said Loretta V. Davis, the Health Officer at Wayne County’s Department of Public Health.

Spreading the Bug
The Flu virus is spread from person to person when an infected person coughs or sneezes.  It can also be spread by touching surfaces where the Flu virus may have been left.  There are many ways you can help stop the spread of the Flu.  The most important thing you can do is to wash your hands frequently.  When you cough or sneeze, cover your mouth, and then wash your hands with soap and warm water.  Finally, if you do get sick, stay home from work or other public places. It is possible to spread the Flu virus one day before getting sick and 5 days after the start of the illness.  As a result, people can spread the Flu before they even know they are sick. 

Symptoms of the Flu
The symptoms of the Flu can sometimes feel like a cold, but there are some differences.  People with the flu often have a fever (usually high), headache, extreme tiredness, dry cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose and muscle aches.  Stomach symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea can also occur but are more common in children than adults.  According to Davis, “Only a doctor can tell you for sure if you have the flu.  If your conditions continue to get worse, you should visit a health care provider as soon as possible.”

Complications of Flu
The complications of Flu include bacterial pneumonia, ear and sinus infections and worsening of chronic conditions such as heart and lung disease, diabetes, and asthma.  Because dehydration is another complication, people with the Flu should be sure to drink plenty of clear fluids.

Getting the Vaccine
The Flu vaccine is recommended for all individuals but there are certain groups of people who may have a greater risk of complications and must be given the Flu vaccination first if there is a shortage.  These are children aged 6 months until their 5th birthday, pregnant women, people 50 years of age and older, people of any age with certain chronic medical conditions, people who live in nursing homes or long term care facilities, people who live with the other high-risk people, and healthcare workers.

The Wayne County Department of Public Health will offer a mass Flu vaccination clinic on Saturday, November 17 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Thurston High School in Redford, located at 26255 Schoolcraft Road.  “Getting the flu vaccine to as many of our residents as possible is a major priority for us,” said Davis. 

If you, a friend or a loved one would like to get the Flu vaccine or more information about the Flu, call the Wayne County Department of Public Health at 734-727-7100, or just go online at www.waynecounty.com.

 

WHERE CAN I GET THE FLU VACCINE?
The Wayne County Department of Public Health offers the flu vaccine in three locations. To save time, please print and fill out the Immunization Consent Form before coming in to get the vaccine.

Dearborn
6450 Maple
Dearborn, MI 48126
313-216-2201

Taylor
26650 Eureka Road
Taylor, MI 48180
734-955-3900

Wayne
33030 Van Born Road
Wayne, MI 48184
734-727-7100

INFORMATION YOU CAN DOWNLOAD

For more detailed information on the flu, click here

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Loretta V. Davis ,
MSA,
Director /
Health Officer

Barbara Harris-Ellis, RN,MPA
Deputy Director

Talat Danish,
MD, MPH, FAAP
Medical Director

Michael Moon, MBA
Director of Administration

Alfredo Guardiola ,
Director of Environmental Health

Catharine Oliver,
RN, MSN
Community and Maternal/Child Health Services Manager

Mary Mazur
Director of Communications

PUBLIC HEALTH ADMINISTRATION
33030 Van Born Road
Wayne, MI 48184
Ph: 734-727-7000

In case of a public health emergency during non-business hours, weekends and on holidays, call
Ph: 734-727-7284