Health Network Reminds Residents of Flu Hotline

Farmington¾

 

Franklin Community Health Network (FCHN) is reminding residents that it has an influenza (flu) hotline for Greater Franklin County. The recorded hotline offers information about influenza prevention, local flu vaccine availability, and public flu shot clinics.

 

The hotline number is 207-779-3147.

 

The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and lungs. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. The best way to prevent the flu is by getting a flu vaccine each year.

 

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control recommends a yearly flu shot for everyone 6 months of age and older. Vaccination with the nasal-spray flu vaccine is an option for healthy people 2 to 49 years of age who are not pregnant and have no contraindications or precautions to that vaccine. While there are many different flu viruses, the seasonal flu vaccine is designed to protect against the top three or four flu viruses that research indicates will cause the most illness during the flu season.

 

If you are not yet immunized remember, there are several things you can do to stay healthy:

·         Get vaccinated as soon as possible. It takes about two weeks after vaccination to develop protection against the flu.

·         Follow heightened respiratory etiquette to protect yourself and others by covering coughs and sneezes, and wearing a mask when indicated and appropriate.

·         Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, and avoid touching your nose, mouth, and eyes as germs can spread that way.

·         Avoid close contact with sick people as much as possible. 

 

Although most people with the flu can stay home without seeing a health care provider, anyone who is sick should seek medical attention if: he or she is having trouble breathing, becomes dehydrated, or has any major change in his health condition.

 

The Maine Weekly Flu Report dated Oct. 27, 2015 indicates that influenza activity is minimal in Maine. Positive flu cases have been identified, but are not widespread.

For additional information on influenza and how to stay healthy during the flu season, go to http://www.fchn.org/news/flu-updates.