By Staff
Influenza immunization clinics are scheduled throughout the state beginning in October through the end of the influenza season, health department officials said this week.
County health departments and other health care providers in Alabama expect to have plenty of influenza vaccine for the 2007-2008 season.
Annual influenza immunization is recommended for most people, beginning for children at age 6 months to protect against outbreaks which generally occur from November to March in Alabama.
Typical symptoms of the flu include fever and respiratory symptoms such as cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, headache, muscle aches, and often extreme fatigue. The public is also reminded to follow basic infection control measures to help prevent the spread of the flu.
These include covering the mouth and nose with a tissue or cloth when coughing and sneezing, staying at home when sick, and washing hands frequently.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are some people who should not be vaccinated without first consulting a physician. These include