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Anoka County Press Release
For Immediate
Release
Contact: Jerry Soma, Anoka County Human Services Division
Manager, 763-422-7008 , or e-mail:
jerry.soma@co.anoka.mn.us |
November 13, 2007 |
COUNTY FIGHTS INFLUENZA WITH FLU SHOTS
The annual flu season has begun.
The Anoka County Community Health and Environmental Services
Department is encouraging people to get flu shots.
Their message is influenza, or flu, vaccination prevents
death and serious illness.
Anoka County Commissioner Rhonda
Sivarajah, chair of the county’s human services committee, got her
shot recently when the department offered a special opportunity for
public health employees to get vaccinated.
“We want to set a good example for
individuals and healthcare providers in the community,” Commissioner
Sivarajah said. “Only about 40 percent of healthcare workers get
vaccinated against influenza every year and we’d like to see that
improve. They come into contact with people who are the most
vulnerable.”
It’s serious business, according to
Rina McManus, director, Anoka County Community Health and
Environmental Services Department.
“Every year, up to 1,000 Minnesotans
die as a result of complications of influenza,” McManus said.
In the United States, on average, 5 to
20 percent of the population gets the flu, a contagious respiratory
illness. More than 200,000 people are hospitalized. About 36,000
people die from flu. Some people, such as older people, young
children and people with certain health conditions, are at high risk
for serious flu complications.
It is important for everyone to do
their part to avoid spreading influenza by following these
guidelines:
-
Stay home from school or work if
you have a respiratory infection. Avoid exposing yourself to
others who are sick with flu-like illness.
-
Cover your nose and mouth with your sleeve
or a tissue whenever you cough or sneeze, then throw the tissue
away.
-
Wash your hands often with soap and
water, or with an alcohol based, waterless hand sanitizer.
To find a flu shot clinic, go to
www.health.state.mn.us and search “flu,” or call
763-422-6965. It’s never too late to
get vaccinated.
PHOTO CUTLINE:
Anoka County Commissioner Rhonda Sivarajah gets her flu shot from
Eileen McNamara, public health nurse with Anoka County.
download high
resolution image for print
page last updated -
11/15/2007
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