The North Georgia Health District (NGHD) saw 1,705 North Georgia residents, including 125 Fannin County residents, receive a flu vaccination this year through their annual drive-thru flu shot clinics across the region.
Fannin County’s clinic closed four hours early after all 125 available doses were used.
Health officials with the district are continuing to encourage people to get their flu shot this year, because from this time of year through spring, Influenza viruses circulate at higher levels in the U.S,
“When more people are vaccinated, less flu spreads through communities,” NGHD Public Information Officer and Risk Communicator Jennifer King said.
According to NGHD, other actions to prevent the spread of flu and other viruses should include:
•Washing hands often with soap and warm water, if available – if not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub;
•Covering the nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing, then dispose of the tissue;
•Avoiding touching the eyes, nose and mouth – germs spread this way;
•Avoiding close contact with sick people;
•Cleaning and disinfecting surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with germs like the flu; and,
•Staying home if experiencing flu-like symptoms – fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, runny nose, fatigue or vomiting and/or diarrhea – remain home for at least 24 hours after fever is gone without the aid of medication to keep from infecting others.
The Fannin County Health Department can be contacted at 706-632-3023 for information.