Flu Shots

Are You Protected?

Influenza can lead to hospitalization and sometimes even death … and getting your flu shot every year can help you avoid getting sick. When more people get the flu shot, larger portions of the community are protected. That means more people stay safe and healthy. Make sure everyone in your family gets their flu shot!

Will the Flu Shot Make Me Sick?

No! The flu shot won’t make you sick. And it won’t give you any long-lasting health problems, either! Getting your flu shot simply provides higher protection against the flu.

How Often Do I Need a Flu Shot?

The flu changes every year, so you need to get a new, updated flu vaccine each year, too. Just because you got a flu shot once doesn’t mean you’re protected years later! A severe case of influenza can send you to the hospital. Don’t take that chance!

How Much Does it Cost?

Flu shots are provided at no cost to you under most insurance policies. Those who pay out of pocket can get a flu shot at a very low cost. Contact your local health department to find out exactly how much your flu shot will cost, or to schedule an appointment.

Common Flu Questions and Answers

Is it too late to get the flu vaccine?
- No, it is not too late! Local health departments still have vaccine on hand.

I thought the flu vaccine doesn’t work this year?
- Even if you get the flu after you have received the flu shot, it has been shown to reduce the severity of the illness.

My family member, friend or co-worker was just diagnosed with flu, am I going to get it?
- Influenza is spread by droplet respiratory transmission and the typical rule of thumb is anyone in the vicinity of 6 feet (which is how far infectious droplets can spread) from someone contagious is at risk. You are contagious up to 24 hours BEFORE your symptoms start and up to 1 WEEK after symptom start. The incubation period is between 1-4 days.

When should I go to the doctor?
- Unless your symptoms are severe, like you’re are having trouble breathing, are not able to bring a fever down, or you have symptoms of dehydration like extreme weakness or dizziness , you should try to avoid medical facilities.
- If you think you may have influenza call your physician within the first 24-48 hours of symptoms and ask for a prescription for Tamiflu. If they require you to come in to see the physician, ask if they can provide you a mask.
- Once filled, call your pharmacy and arrange to pick up that prescription without actually going in (i.e., drive thru, family member pick up).

I have been diagnosed with flu, what should I do?
- Stay home until you are fever-free without fever-reducing medications (like Tylenol, Motrin, etc.) for 24 hours.
- Call your doctor about the option of Tamiflu (as soon as you can, as Tamiflu is only helpful within those first 48 hours).
- You may also want to ask for a prescription of Tamiflu for any household members as well, this may be helpful in preventing illness in your close contacts.
- Once filled, call your pharmacy and arrange to pick up that prescription without actually going in (i.e., drive thru, family member pick up.

What is Tamiflu? Is this a cure?
- Tamiflu is a an antiviral medication that can make illness milder and shorten the time you are sick. It may also prevent serious flu complications.

Why aren’t the schools shutting down?
- Public Health works closely with school districts regarding infection control. Decisions about school closings are made by individual schools and school systems. A common threshold schools use to make the decision is if the number of ill students or faculty prevents adequate operations. The CDC provides guidance that specifically addresses strategies to keep flu out of schools and provides additional guidance for school administrators. For additional information, DPH has provided a letter that was sent out to school districts from the state public health office.

Who should I report clusters of influenza in schools, long term care facilities, jails, etc?
- North Central Health District Epidemiology
  - Email: nchd.epi@dph.ga.gov
  - Phone: 478-751-6303 Ask for Epidemiology
  - After hours: 1-866-PUB-HLTH (1-866-782-4584)
  - Fax: 478-752-1710 or 478-751-6074