Flu

Flu - Influenza

Latest Flu Updates will be posted on Health Alerts Page

Illinois Department of Public Health Website Flu Pages: http://www.idph.state.il.us/flu/fluhome.htm

CDC Website Flu Pages: http://www.cdc.gov/nip/flu/

Avian Flu & Pandemic Information:

Link to CDC Website for Avian Flu: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/avian/

Link to CDC Website for Pandemic info: pandemicflu.gov

Pandemic Flu Information Sheet
Pandemic Flu & You poster in pdf

2007-08 Flu Shot Program

During the months October through April, the Kane County Health Department tracks influenza activity in our county by monitoring

● Visits to Emergency Departments for Influenza-Like-Illness
● Hospital laboratory testing for influenza
● Absenteeism in schools grades K-12

Link to CDC Weekly Surveillance Report

FINAL REPORT for the 2006-2007 Flu Season

Top 3 reasons to get your flu vaccine

1. Prevents influenza-related death.
Each year over 36,000 people in the U.S. die because of the flu—most are 65 or older. More people die from flu than from any other vaccine-preventable disease.

2. Prevents severe illness.
In the U.S. influenza puts about 200,000 people in the hospital each year. Children younger than 2 years old are as likely to be hospitalized as adults who are 65 or older.

3. Protects other people.
You should get vaccinated if you live with or care for others who are at high risk of complications from the flu. Getting a flu vaccination yourself can help protect your family members, including seniors and young children.

Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Information Sheets in pdf

Influenza Facts
Cover Your Cough flyer
Simple Ways to Stay Healthy

If you have questions about flu/influenza and the vaccine for children and adults please call Kane County Health Department's
Bee Wize phone line at:
866-233-9493 or 630-264-7665

Flu Shots are also available through:

Check with your own healthcare provider to see about availability

Some pharmacies in the area may still be offering flu shots

People who SHOULD get vaccinated each year:

People at high risk for complications from the flu, including:

Children aged 6–59 months,
Pregnant women,
People 50 years of age and older, and
People of any age with certain chronic medical conditions;
People who live in nursing homes and other long term care facilities.

People who live with or care for those at high risk for complications from flu, including:

Household contacts of persons at high risk for complications from the flu (see above)
Household contacts and out of home caregivers of children less than 6 months of age (these children are too young to be vaccinated)
Healthcare workers.

Who should NOT get a flu shot?

Talk with a doctor before getting a flu shot if you:
1) Have ever had a severe allergic reaction to eggs or to a previous flu shot or
2) Have a history of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS).

Steps recommended by the Kane County Health Department to help everyone avoid the flu:

Wash your hands frequently with soap and warm water.
Teach children to wash their hands regularly.
Cover your nose and mouth when you cough and sneeze, preferably with a facial tissue or your arm, not your hands. Promptly discard used facial tissues.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick, especially those most at risk for influenza complications.
If you are sick with cough or fever, stay home from work or school until you recover.
Contact your medical provider if you are experiencing severe symptoms that you believe require medical attention.
Do not share things that go into the mouth, such as drinking cups, straws, etc.
Frequently clean commonly touched surfaces in your home including door knobs, refrigerator handle, phone and water faucets.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose or mouth.

Kane County Health Department offers other immunizations throughout the year. They include:

Adult Hepatitis A
Adult Hepatitis B
Adult MMR
Adult Td
Adult Varicella
Meningitis
Pneumonia
Tdap
DT

To make an appointment for vaccinations, please call the Kane County Health Department’s Bee Wize immunization line:
866-233-9493 or 630-264-7665.

For information about other immunizations and immunization clinics offered by Kane County Health Department CLICK HERE

Illinois Department of Public Health Website Flu Pages: http://www.idph.state.il.us/flu/fluhome.htm

CDC Website Flu Pages: http://www.cdc.gov/nip/flu/

If you have questions about flu/influenza and the vaccine for children and adults
please call Kane County Health Department's
Bee Wize phone line at:
866-233-9493 or 630-264-7665