Georgia Coastal Health District

Fall is in the air and soon, the flu virus will be, too. Flu seasons are unpredictable but can begin as early as October and go as late as May. And while it takes two weeks after getting vaccinated for the flu vaccine to take effect, the vaccine offers protection throughout flu season. Health departments in Bryan, Camden, Chatham, Effingham, Glynn, Liberty, Long, and McIntosh counties have flu vaccine available and public health officials are encouraging residents not to wait until flu season is in full swing to get vaccinated.

Cost for both the injectable (shot) and nasal spray form is $28. A high dose flu vaccine is also being offered for people ages 65 and older, and it is designed to provide the best protection for that age group. The high dose vaccine will be $45 per dose. Cost of the flu vaccine is covered under both Medicare and Medicaid.
Getting vaccinated against the flu is recommended for everyone six months of age and older. Neither the flu shot nor the nasal spray can cause the flu. The shot is approved for use in healthy people 6 months of age and older, people with chronic medical conditions, and pregnant women. The nasal spray is approved for use in healthy people 2 to 49 years of age who are not pregnant.
The flu virus is easily spread through coughs and sneezes and by touching something with the virus on it and then touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. That’s why good health habits are also important including staying home when you’re sick; avoiding close contact with people who are sick; coughing or sneezing into your elbow and not your hand; washing your hands often with soap and water; and avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
General Information on Flu
Flu viruses are through to spread mainly from person to person through droplets made when people with flu cough, sneeze, or talk. Flu viruses may also spread when people touch something with flu virus on it and then tough their mouth, nose, or eyes. Many other viruses spread these ways, too.
People infected with flu may be able to infect others beginning one day before symptoms develop and up to 5-7 days after becoming sick. That means you may be able to spread the flu to someone else before you know you are sick as well as while you are sick. Young children, those who are severely ill, and those who have severely weakened immune systems may be able to infect others for longer than 5-7 days.

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Everyday Preventive Actions to Avoid the Flu
– Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
– If you or your child gets sick with flu-like illness, CDC recommends that you (or your child) stay home for at least 24 hours after the fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. The fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.
– While sick, limit contact with others as much as possible to keep from infecting them.
– Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
– Try to cough or sneeze into the crook of your elbow.
– Wash your hands with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
– Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. Germs spread this way.
– Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with germs like the flu.
Vaccine Information
Flu Shot Vaccine Info. 2014-2015 [PDF]
Flu Nasal Spray Vaccine Info. 2014-2015 [PDF]
Flu Shot Vaccine Info. 2014-2015 Spanish [PDF]
Flu Nasal Spray Vaccine Info. 2014-2015 Spanish [PDF]
For more information, please call your health department