(Host) This week’s snow should be a reminder that winter weather also brings cold and flu season.
As VPR’s Ross Sneyd reports, the Health Department says it’s also a reminder to get a flu shot.
(Sneyd) Over the years, scientists have established just how critical it is to combat the flu.
A bad case can make someone susceptible to other germs.
And Health Commissioner Wendy Davis says it can weaken those who might not have the defenses to fight a virus.
(Davis) “The more we understand about how and why the disease occurs, the better we can be at shaping those recommendations. So, for example, trying to predict people who might be at higher risk for serious illness or death if they should contract the flu.”
(Sneyd) That’s why the Health Department recommends that young people between six months and 18 years old get a flu shot.
The same goes for people who are older than 50 and those who have a chronic disease.
And anyone who lives in a household with others in the high-risk groups also should be vaccinated.
Health Commissioner Davis suggests that people err on the side of caution.
(Davis) “We really encourage anyone who is interested in protecting themselves from the flu to go ahead and think about doing that.”
(Sneyd) Last year, more than 215,000 Vermonters got a flu shot.
The Health Department says there should be plenty of vaccine on hand to inoculate just as many people again this year.
A lot of people are able to get a shot from their primary care doctor. There also are clinics run by groups such as the Visiting Nurses or community health clinics.
The state gets federal money that pays for shots for many people.
Davis points out that there are some simple things people can do to try to avoid the flu.
(Davis) “One of the most basic principles that we can’t emphasize strongly enough is for people to wash their hands often and to do that correctly. People should spend adequate time doing that and doing it at a sink or even using things like using alcohol-based hand wipes or gel sanitizers if a sink and soap and water aren’t available.”
(Sneyd) If you do come down with the flu, Davis doesn’t want you to spread the germs. She says if you were her patient, she’d give you a medical note to stay home from work or school.
For VPR News, I’m Ross Sneyd.