3,151: The number of confirmed cases of the flu reported to us so far this season.
362: The number during the same period last season.
GALVESTON COUNTY, Texas – In response to an ongoing surge in confirmed cases of the flu, the Galveston County Health District (GCHD) continues to offer the flu vaccine at no cost at its immunization clinic and several off-site locations.
Flu vaccines will be available at the following locations during the week of January 22, 2018.
- Monday, January 22
- 8 a.m.-5 p.m.: GCHD Immunization Clinic, 9850-B Emmett F. Lowry Expressway, Suite B-104, Texas City
- 1 p.m.-3 p.m.: Port Bolivar Volunteer Fire Department, 1806 Broadway Avenue (Loop 108), Port Bolivar
- Tuesday, January 23
- 8 a.m.-7 p.m.: GCHD Immunization Clinic, 9850-B Emmett F. Lowry Expressway, Suite B-104, Texas City
- 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Friendswood Chamber of Commerce, 1100 S Friendswood Dr, Friendswood
- Wednesday, January 24
- 8 a.m.-5 p.m.: GCHD Immunization Clinic, 9850-B Emmett F. Lowry Expressway, Suite B-104, Texas City
- 11 a.m.-4 p.m.: His Touch Worship Center, 2371 E Bay Shore Drive, San Leon
- Thursday, January 25
- 8 a.m.-5 p.m.: GCHD Immunization Clinic, 9850-B Emmett F. Lowry Expressway, Suite B-104, Texas City
- Friday, January 26
- 8 a.m.-5 p.m.: GCHD Immunization Clinic, 9850-B Emmett F. Lowry Expressway, Suite B-104, Texas City
- 1 p.m.-5 p.m.: Santa Fe ISD Administration Building, 4133 Warpath Avenue, Santa Fe
So far this flu season, 3,151 confirmed cases of the flu have been reported to GCHD, compared to just 362 during the same period last season. Although the flu is not a condition healthcare providers are required to report to their local health department, reported cases are a good indication of the overall trend.
“It’s frustrating to see so much chatter out there from people who are not getting the shot because they think it’s not ‘worth it’,” said Dr. Philip Keiser, Galveston County Local Health Authority. “While it’s true some people who get the shot will still get the flu, the vaccine can reduce the severity of symptoms for people who get the virus.”
People 6-months and older should be vaccinated for the flu. Vaccination is especially important for certain high-risk groups. People 65 and older, pregnant women, young children and those with chronic health conditions are at higher risk for serious complications or even death if they get the flu.
“People often forget the flu can be fatal for the very young and old, especially for those with compromised immune systems,” Dr. Keiser continued. “Being vaccinated not only protects you, it helps protect the vulnerable populations around you.”
Symptoms of the flu include fever, chills, cough, sore throat, runny nose, body aches, headaches and fatigue. People with a combination of these symptoms should promptly see their medical provider.
In addition to vaccination, people should help stop the spread of the flu and other illness by covering all coughs and sneezes, washing their hands frequently, disinfecting commonly touched surfaces and staying at home when sick.
While flu spreads every year, the timing, severity, and length of the season varies from one year to another. Flu outbreaks typically happen as early as October and can last as late as May.
“The flu shot will not give you the flu, despite a lot of rumors to the contrary,” Dr. Keiser said. “The virus in the vaccine is inactive and can not make you ill with the flu.”
GCHD has offered the flu vaccine at no cost at is immunization clinic since late December 2017, in addition to several off-site clinics.
For more information on the flu, symptoms and prevention, visit www.gchdorg/flu.