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FOR
IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, October 8, 2004
Contact:
Dr.
Diana Yu,
Thurston
County
Health Officer, 360-786-5581
Residents
Urged to Take Flu Prevention Steps
OLYMPIA
–
An apparent shortage of flu vaccine this fall means the shots will not be
available to all of the people who want them; but
Thurston
County
health officials are reminding folks that there are many other preventative
steps that can be taken.
The shortage of flu shots is due to the elimination of
supply from one manufacturer in
Britain
. Thurston County Health Officer
Dr. Diana Yu says a process is underway to make sure that the shots that are
available in our area go to those who are most in need.
“For most of us, getting a flu shot is a convenience so we do
not get sick, but for high risk folks the consequences are severe.
We should step aside and let those shots go to folks who are most at
risk from complications should they contract the illness.
We will continue to work with our partners on the local, state and
federal levels to try to ensure that vaccinations are obtained for those among
us who are the most vulnerable.”
Dr. Yu says there is a lot the average person can do to
avoid getting the flu. “There
are a number of steps people can take including-
§
Washing your hands frequently, especially before eating
or touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
§
Washing after touching anyone who is exhibiting signs
of illness such as sneezing, coughing, blowing their nose etc.
§
Avoiding sharing objects such as towels, cigarettes,
lipstick, toys and other objects where germs might be transferred from one
person to another.
§
Not sharing food, beverages, utensils, glasses or
dishes with others.”
Dr. Yu also advises those who become ill with any respiratory ailment, not
just the flu, to take some common sense steps to keep from spreading the
illness, including-
§
Staying at home if you have a cough and a fever.
§
See your doctor if you have a cough and a fever and
follow the doctor’s orders including rest and medication.
§
If asked, use a facemask while waiting in the
doctor’s office, clinic or hospital.
§
Always cover your nose and mouth with a tissue while
sneezing, coughing, or blowing your nose.
§
Throw out used tissues as soon as possible after use.
§
Always wash your hands after sneezing, coughing or
blowing your nose, or after handling used tissues.
§
Wash your hands often while you are ill using warm
water and soap or alcohol-based sanitizers.
Dr. Yu says, “These easy to follow steps will help
prevent the spread of any of the respiratory illnesses.
That not only includes the flu but also colds, whooping cough and
severe acute respiratory syndrome.”
For more information, people can call the
Thurston
County
flu line at 360-709-3080. Or they
can visit the flu pages on the State Department of Health Web site at http://www.doh.wa.gov/FluNews/default.htm
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