By Nurse Allen
In a recent health alert, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that influenza activity is increasing across the country.
Because the flu can have a significant impact on an educational setting, it is crucial that parents have access to flu information and resources year round. You may go to texasflu.org for research about the flu and immunizations required in Texas. Our goal is to keep our children and staff healthy throughout the school year.
According to the Texas Department of State Health Services, here are five simple steps you can take to reduce your chances of getting -- or spreading -- the flu:
- Get vaccinated
- Wash hands frequently
- Cover coughs and sneezes
- Stay home if you are sick
- Convince those around you to follow steps 1-4.
The seasonal flu vaccine is 59 percent effective based on preliminary data, the CDC reported last week. More than 146.4 million doses of the flu vaccine have been distributed in the United States, the CDC said.
DSHS urges everyone six months old and older to get vaccinated against the flu. It is particularly important for pregnant women, young children, older adults and people with chronic health conditions, because people in those groups are at a greater risk of severe complications if they do get the flu, according to texasflu.org.
Flu vaccine is available now, and DSHS encourages people not to wait to protect themselves and their family by getting vaccinated as soon as possible.