The Norwood Health Department will be having its annual free flu clinics at the Norwood Senior Center, 275 Prospect Street, Norwood, on Saturday, Oct. 25, and Saturday, Nov. 15, from 9 to 11 a.m.
The Norwood Flu Clinics are open to any Norwood residents over the age of 18. The Health Department asks that Medicare and supplemental senior insurance clients bring their insurance cards. For up-to-date information, call the information line at 781-762-1240 x220.
In general, anyone who wants to reduce his or her chances of getting the flu or wants to reduce the risk of transmitting flu to others should get vaccinated. Flu vaccine is strongly recommended for people at increased risk for complications from the flu or people who live with or care for those at high risk for serious complications from the flu.
People at high risk for complications from the flu include children between six months and 18 years old (new recommendation added this year), pregnant women, people over 50, and people of any age with certain chronic medical conditions, and people who live in nursing homes or other long-term care facilities.
People who live with or care for those at high risk for complications from flu, including out-of-home caregivers of children less than six months old (these children are too young to be vaccinated), and healthcare workers should also be vaccinated.
The Norwood Health Department offered the following tips to help protect you from flu, colds, and other cough illnesses:
·Get a flu shot every year. It is the best way to protect yourself every flu season. Getting the flu vaccine also helps to prevent you from passing the flu to others.
·Wash your hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
·Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze. Cough or sneeze into a tissue or the inside of your elbow. Throw tissues away and wash your hands.
·Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. This decreases the chance that you will get the flu virus or other germs into your body, or that you will pass the flu to others.
·Clean things that are touched often at home, work or school, such as door or refrigerator handles, computer key boards and mouses, phones, and water faucets.
·Avoid close contact with others who are sick. Avoid unnecessarily holding, hugging, or kissing anyone who has a cold or the flu.
·Stay home when you are sick. If you have flu symptoms, stay home from work or school and avoid public activities for at least five days (seven days for children), so that you don’t pass the flu to other people.
Additional information on Flu and a free copy of “Flu, What You Can Do: Caring for People at Home,” is available at the Norwood Health Department.
