Health officials urge people to get the flu shot now before the season peaks

 

MOBILE, Ala. -- Cold and flu season is off to a slow start in Mobile County and around the country this year, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports. In Mobile County from Oct. 1 until Nov. 25, there were a total of 16 cases of influenza reported to the Mobile County Health Department from area hospitals and Family Health clinics. To put that in perspective, there are about 416,000 residents living in Mobile County, according to the latest U.S. Census Bureau figures.

In October, 12 cases of the flu were reported to the health agency. Between Nov. 1 and Nov. 25, four cases of influenza were reported. As of Wednesday, Nov. 25, 2014, only one person had been admitted to the hospital. The age range of the flu patients in Mobile spanned from 11 months old to 83. Of the cases reported so far, 14 people were diagnosed with Type B, while two patients were diagnosed with Type A.

The Mobile County Health Department offers the 2014-2015 seasonal flu vaccine to those age 6 months and older without an appointment Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Health Department’s Immunization Clinic, 251 N. Bayou St. in downtown Mobile. It typically takes about two weeks for a person to build up immunity to the flu after they are vaccinated. 

The shots also are available by appointment at MCHD’s outlying Family Health centers. Appointments can be made by calling 251-690-8889. The shots are $15 each, payable in the exact amount by cash or credit card, or by using Medicaid or Medicare Part B, or private insurance that covers the cost.

Dr. Bernard Eichold, Health Officer for Mobile County, advises people to take the following precautions to prevent the spread of colds and flu this season:

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. No tissue? Cough and sneeze into your upper arm or sleeve.
• Throw the tissue in the trash after use.
• Wash hands often with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are also effective.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. If you are sick, stay home.