Daytona Beach - The Florida Department of Health in Volusia County (DOH-Volusia) reminds residents and visitors to get vaccinated against influenza. DOH-Volusia encourages everyone to get vaccinated before Halloween to reduce the risk of illness this flu season. The flu shot is recommended for all Floridians six months of age and older on a yearly basis.

“The flu shot is the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones against the spread of influenza,” said Interim Administrator Ron Rondeau. “All Volusia County residents should take precautions against the flu by getting vaccinated, regularly washing your hands and staying home when you are sick.”

The flu vaccine is available in a variety of locations including county health departments, family physicians, pharmacies and many worksites. There are vaccines approved for people of different ages as well as for use in pregnant women and those with health conditions. The vaccine is widely available and takes just a few minutes to reduce your risk of illness.

DOH-Volusia encourages the following steps to avoid catching or spreading the flu:

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it. If you do not have a tissue, cough and sneeze into your elbow to reduce spreading of germs;
• Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer;
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth;
• Try to avoid close contact with people who are showing symptoms of illness;
• If you are sick with flu–like illness, stay home for at least 24 to 48 hours after your fever is gone, without the use of fever-reducing medicine, except to get medical care or for other necessities; and
• Get revaccinated every year because strains of flu viruses change each year.

Check with your family physician, retail pharmacist or find a local county health department to get your flu shot today.

View the department’s “Vaccine before Halloween” public service announcement here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iiQeTt9O3fo

About the Florida Department of Health The department works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts. Follow us on Twitter at @HealthyFla and on Facebook. For more information about the Florida Department of Health, please visit www.FloridaHealth.gov