OMAHA, Neb. (KMTV) — If you want to avoid all of the sneezing, fever, aching and other symptoms associated with the flu...the Douglas County Health Department says you should get your flu shot as soon as possible but at least by the end of this month.
Last year, they say 3,872 cases were confirmed which is the second highest amount of confirmed cases in Douglas County. The previous flu season came in at number one for most cases.
As to who should get the shot they say:
“Everyone six months of age and older should get the flu vaccine,” Douglas County Health Director Dr. Adi Pour said. “The flu is a killer.”
People with asthma, diabetics, people suffering from chronic lung disease, the elderly and pregnant women especially should consider the vaccination. A pregnant mother who gets the shot may be able to avoid complications and they say the baby "will have protection for about the first six months of life, then they can directly receive the vaccine."
The health department says the sooner you get the vaccine, the better.
“The vaccine requires about two weeks before it can provide protection, so the sooner you get a flu shot the better,” Dr. Pour said. “The vaccine is your best protection against the seasonal flu and protects the people around you.”
