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Vaccinations: Get your shots and avoid the flu

Though only a few serious cases of flu have been reported in Washington County, residents should heed the warning of Ohio officials:

“Next week, I think we will see an increase, which is what normally happens,” said Sietske de Fijter, chief of the Bureau of Infectious Diseases and state epidemiologist for the Ohio Health Department. “The flu is unpredictable and we never know how severe the season will be.”

But there is a way for people to protect themselves — in fact, a very effective way this year. Flu vaccines are a simple measure to get ahead of the game during flu season.

“The components of the flu vaccine match the flu virus very well, according to the CDC,” Fijter said. “All indications so far show it is a much better match and we want to stress that it isn’t too late to get your flu shot.”

Southeast Ohio has not yet seen the large number of flu-related hospitalizations that have occurred in the rest of the state, but that could change. (And folks on the West Virginia side of the river could be at risk, too.)

If you have not already done so, and are medically cleared to get one, go get a flu shot, ladies and gentlemen. And remember, it is not all about you.

The very old or very young, and those with compromised immune systems need your help to avoid the flu.

“It is important to get the vaccine because not only does it protect you but also those around you,” Fijter said.

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