Vancouver, WA – Flu season is in full swing in Clark County. According to Public Health’s Influenza Surveillance Update for Nov. 13-19, laboratories testing for flu report a 25 percent positive rate countywide, a rate well above Public Health’s 10 percent baseline for high flu activity.

The report indicates an earlier start to the flu season than in previous years. Also, as people visit family and friends during the holidays, flu viruses will have more opportunities to spread.

“The good news is it’s not too late to get vaccinated,” said Dr. Alan Melnick, Clark County Health Officer. “By getting vaccinated now, you’ll be more likely to celebrate the New Year in good health. It takes two weeks for protection to be effective, so we urge people to get vaccinated right away.”

For millions every season, flu can mean a fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle aches, fatigue and miserable days in bed. Others have it worse; 200,000 people are hospitalized and 3,000-49,000 people die from flu complications each year in the U.S.

Fortunately, the flu vaccine can reduce flu illnesses, doctor visits and missed work, and prevent flu-related hospitalizations and deaths. Everyone six months and older should get vaccinated. Nasal spray vaccine is not available this year.

“Getting the flu vaccine is simple, and it’s the most important thing you can do to protect yourself and your family from flu,” said Dr. Melnick.

Vaccine is widely available in Clark County. To get vaccinated, call your health care provider or pharmacy. If you don’t have health insurance, call Sea Mar Community Health Centers at (360) 852-9070 or the Free Clinic of Southwest Washington at (360) 313-1390 to make an appointment for a low-cost flu shot.

CONTACT
Alan Melnick, MD, MPH,
Health Officer/Director
Public Health
(360) 397-8412
alan.melnick@clark.wa.gov