VALLEY CITY, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – City-County Health District (CCHD) is holding a drive-thru influenza vaccination clinic for ages 19 and older on Wednesday, September 23rd from 3:00-7:00pm at the North Dakota Winter Show South Exhibit Hall. Those who take advantage of this safe and convenient event will have the chance to skip the in-office visit this year. Individuals 65 and older and those with chronic health conditions are strongly encouraged to utilize the drive-thru clinic this year due to COVID-19 concerns.
“Flu immunizations are recommended for everyone age six months and older. There are some people who cannot receive the flu vaccine and it is up to the rest of us to help protect them from getting sick by getting immunized ourselves. This is known as herd immunity,” said Kerry Due, Registered Nurse and Immunization Program Coordinator for CCHD. “It’s more important than ever this year to fight the flu by getting vaccinated,” added Due.
Influenza is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat and lungs. Some of the symptoms of flu include fever/chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headache, fatigue, and possibly vomiting and diarrhea. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. The best way to prevent flu is by getting a flu vaccine annually.
Most experts believe that flu viruses spread mainly by droplets made when people with the flu cough, sneeze or talk. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby. Less often, a person might also get the flu by touching a surface or object that has the flu virus on it and then touching their own mouth, eyes or nose. This is why good hand washing is so important during flu season and throughout the year.
You may be able to pass the flu to someone else before you know you are sick, as well as while you are sick. Most healthy adults may be able to infect others beginning one day before symptoms develop and up to 5 to 7 days after becoming sick. Some people, especially young children and people with weakened immune systems, might be able to infect others for an even longer time.
City-County Health District offers flu and other immunizations in their office located at 415 2nd Ave. NE (west of Leevers North supermarket) Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Appointments are required due COVID-19 building capacity policies. For further information on influenza and vaccines, contact CCHD at 845-8518.