Vaccination of high risk persons is especially important to decrease their risk of severe flu illness.

People at high risk of serious flu complications include young children, pregnant women, people with certain chronic health conditions like asthma, diabetes or heart and lung disease and people 65 years and older,” stated Dr. Gale Burstein, Erie County Commissioner of Health.

Vaccination also is important for people who live with or care for high risk people to prevent infecting them with flu that could easily lead to serious illness.

 “Children younger than 6 months are at high risk of severe flu illness, but are too young to be vaccinated. People who care for infants should be vaccinated to protect the vulnerable people around them,” added Burstein.

In addition to receiving a flu vaccine, these everyday preventive actions can help to stop the spread of germs:

• Teach children how to properly wash their hands
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people
• If you are sick, limit contact with others as much as possible to prevent spreading infection
• If you are sick with flu symptoms, CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone (except to get medical care or for other necessities)
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze; throw the tissue in the trash after you use it
• Wash your hands often with soap and water (hum “Happy Birthday” twice to ensure you have washed them thoroughly!)
• If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth--germs spread this way
• Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with germs like the flu