The purpose of health education is to positively influence the health behavior of individuals as well as the living and working conditions that influence their health.
The Health Education division of Franklin County Health Department offers a variety of programs and services. Read on!
2012-2013 Flu Season - What You Need to Know (for more information go to http://www.cdc.gov/flu)
Every year in the United States, hundreds of thousands of people get influenza, or the flu, with many being hospitalized and some even dying from causes related to the flu.
The symptoms of flu are as follows: Fever, Cough, Sore throat, Muscle or body aches, Fatigue, Runny or stuffy nose, and Headache.
Who should get vaccinated?
Everyone 6 months and older should get a flu vaccine each year. This recommendation has been in place since February 24, 2010 when CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) voted for "universal" flu vaccination in the U.S. to expand protection against the flu to more people.
The best way to prevent the flu is to get the flu vaccine every year. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that it is especially important for the following groups to receive the flu vaccination as they are at a higher risk of developing flu-related complications:
- Children younger than 5, but especially children younger than 2 years old
- Pregnant women
- Adults 65 years of age and older
- People of any age with certain chronic medical conditions like asthma, diabetes, heart disease, or lung disease
- American Indians and Alaskan Natives seem to be at higher risk of flu complications
According to the CDC, vaccination is also important for health care workers and other people who live with or care for high risk people to avoid spreading the flu. Additionally, children younger than 6 months are at high risk of serious flu illness but are too young to be vaccinated, so people who care for them should be vaccinated instead.
Practicing good health habits like washing your hands often and covering your mouth when you cough or sneeze can help stop the spread of the flu. If soap and water are not available, alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective. Keep your hands away from your eyes, nose, and mouth, as this encourages the spread of germs. It is also important to remember to stay home if you are sick and avoid close contact with others who may be sick.