With the flu season now upon us, local residents are reminded to be prepared and preventative.
As KVOE reported recently the first case of influenza was confirmed in Lyon County last week at Flint Hills Community Health Center according to Community Health Nurse Cami McClellan. McClellan says with the flu now arriving locally, it is imperative that any resident who may be suffering from symptoms stay home. A simple request, however, a recent study shows around 90 percent of individuals will still go into work despite suffering from flu-like symptoms.
McClellan says while this could worsen ill residents’ conditions it also highly increases the chance of others contracting the flu.
McClellan reminds residents there is a limited number of flu vaccines still available at FHCHC. Another shipment of vaccines is expected to arrive next Tuesday.
Due to a shortage in vaccines this year, the health center currently only has the quadrivalent dose in stock. The health center has walk-in vaccination hours from 8 am to 5 pm Monday through Thursday.
McClellan asks anyone seeking a vaccination to call ahead to make sure there are plenty of doses available.
Even if you have received your flu shot, McClellan reminds residents there are several precautions you should still take to reduce the risk of spreading the flu. This includes repeatedly washing hands with soap and water, covering your mouth when you cough and avoiding contact with anyone else who may be experiencing flu-like symptoms.
For more information contact FHCHC at 620-342-4864 or visit them at 420 West 15th Ave.
