September 19, 2018
By: Dwayne Page
Flu season is here
Health care providers are encouraging you to be immunized because it can make a big difference by helping you and others avoid becoming sick.
The DeKalb County Health Department is now offering flu shots and accepts all insurances. Prices are based on sliding scale of income for self-pay patients. Hours are 8 a.m. until 11 a.m. and from 1-3:30 p.m.
Call for more information at 615-597-7599.
Flu shots are also available at local health care clinics and pharmacies.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Tennessee Department of Health recommend annual flu vaccination for everyone over the age of six months. It’s especially important for pregnant women to be vaccinated in order to protect their unborn children. One major challenge for health officials is combating rumors and myths about flu immunizations. It is important to note: It is not possible for the flu shot to give you the flu.
After your flu vaccination, it’s still important to practice good health habits to protect yourself from the flu and other viruses, and to prevent spreading them to others if you do get sick. Good health habits include frequent hand washing with soapy water or use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers, and covering coughs and sneezes with a sleeve or tissue. People who are sick should stay home if at all possible to recover to prevent spreading illness to coworkers, friends and others.