Flu season right around the corner

GOSHEN-There should be enough vaccine this year for everyone who wants a flu shot, according to Orange County Health Commissioner Dr. Jean M. Hudson. “Vaccine shortages like last year’s aren’t anticipated,” Hudson said. Hudson advised that all residents who are at high risk - those over 65, people with an underlying medical illness or those aged 6-23 months - to contact their health care provider for a flu vaccination in October. County vaccination clinics will be held at all Health Department locations this year. A schedule of times and locations will be sent to local newspapers and be available in the near future through the new flu information telephone number 291-4300. There will be a charge of $15 for a flu vaccination at Health Department clinics except for patients covered by Medicare Part B who will receive the vaccination free of charge. As the respiratory season approaches, there is a great deal everyone can do to prevent getting and spreading the germs that cause the common cold or flu, according to the commissioner. Among those things are: • Avoid close contact with someone who is sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too. • Stay home when you are sick. You will help prevent others from catching your illness. • Cover your mouth and nose. Use a tissue when coughing or sneezing, then dispose of it. • Clean your hands. Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs. • Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated and then touches his or her eyes, nose or mouth. For more information on the prevention of the common cold or the flu, contact the Orange County Department of Health at (845) 291-4300. For information on treatment of any illness, contact your health care provider.