This press release published at the request of the Florida Department of Health in Alachua County.
In Florida and throughout the U.S. flu activity is on the rise. Alachua County has seen an increase in flu activity and there are still weeks remaining in the current flu season. It is not too late to get the flu vaccine. The flu vaccine is safe and recommended for everyone six months of age and older, including pregnant women. The Florida Department of Health in Alachua County (DOH-Alachua) is urging residents to get their flu vaccine now if they have not already.
Flu vaccines can vary in effectiveness from season to season, but they continue to be the best way to prevent influenza infection and serious influenza complications. To locate a flu shot, residents should contact their health care provider or use the Florida Department of Health’s (DOH) flu shot locator.
“Getting a flu shot is the primary means of preventing influenza illness and minimizes the severity of illness if infected,” stated Paul Myers, Administrator of the Alachua County Health Department. “Staying home when ill, practicing good hygiene and contacting your medical provider if you become ill are recommended to reduce the impacts of the flu in our community.”
DOH-Alachua offers flu shots at the following locations and times:
Flu shots are being offered at the Health Department’s main clinic in Gainesville located at 224 S.E. 24th Street. Their phone number for appointments is 352-334-7950 (walk-ins are accepted Monday through Friday, from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.). Flu shots are also available by appointment at the City of Alachua satellite clinic located in the Hitchcock’s shopping plaza located at 15530 N.W. US Hwy 441 (their phone number is 386-462-2542), and the S.W. Clinic located at 816 S.W. 64th Terrace, Gainesville (their phone number is 352-225-4320).
For more information, including forms to expedite your visit, go to the DOH-Alachua website.
Those who become ill with flu-like symptoms should contact their health care provider as soon as possible. Health care providers can prescribe antiviral treatment, if appropriate. Treatment is most effective when started within 48 hours, so calling as soon as one becomes ill is important, especially if for those and their loved ones at higher risk for complications. This includes children younger than five, adults over the age of 65, pregnant women, and those with underlying medical conditions.
Stay home from work and keep children home from school or daycare when sick to help prevent spreading the flu to others. It is also essential to practice good hygiene by properly and frequently washing hands. Residents should make it a habit to clean and disinfect commonly used surfaces in homes, schools or offices. Residents can take additional steps to ward off the flu by coughing or sneezing into a tissue or elbow, and avoid touching their face.
Visit DOH’s Flu Prevention website for more information on how to be a part of #FluFreeFlorida. Visit DOH’s website for more information on influenza and influenza-like illness in Florida.
For more information, contact Paul Myers at 352-334-8873 or Paul.Myers@flhealth.gov.