It is that time of year again.  Protect yourself from the flu.

Students from the University of Massachusetts—Lowell created a brief video that can be viewed at this link   “Flu Vaccination”

http://www.coughsafe.com/media.html## for a funny version of cough safety. 

And the CDC at http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/covercough.htm

Find locations to get vaccinated. 

Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH)

Stay Healthy This Flu Season – Get Vaccinated!

Get vaccinated this flu season – especially if you’re  pregnant, have chronic medical conditions, or if you’re 50 or older.

It may have been hot and humid this week with temperatures up to 85 degrees, but don’t let this stop you from thinking about the upcoming flu season.  The best way to protect against influenza is to get a flu vaccine before the season starts.  Health experts at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend that everyone 6 months of age and older receive the flu vaccine every year.

Flu can be very serious – every year more than 20,000 need to be hospitalized due to the flu, and 23,000 people die. The good news is that you and your family can stay healthy this flu season by getting vaccinated.

This is especially important if you or someone in your family  

• Is pregnant
• Has a chronic health condition like asthma, diabetes, or heart, lung, liver, or kidney disease
• Is immuno-suppressed
• Is very overweight
• Is 50 years of age or older

It’s also important to get vaccinated if you’re a household contact or caregiver of children aged <5 years.

Any of these factors, when combined with the flu, can increase your risk or someone in your family of getting seriously ill.  So please be sure to get a flu vaccine this year for you and your family. It’s safe and effective, and widely available.  So when you’re out and about and see signs offering flu shots at pharmacies or other places, or when you visit your doctor for a routine visit, remember the flu ends with You!  

Did you miss the Flu I.Q. quiz in the last two editions of the TGIF newsletter?  If you did, click here to learn how much you know about the flu: Flu I.Q. quiz

To find out where to get the flu vaccine, contact your health care provider or visit http://flu.masspro.org to find a public clinic convenient to you.

To get more information about flu prevention and flu care, please visit www.mass.gov/flu or www.flu.gov, or call the MA Department of Public Health, Immunization Program at (617) 983-6800.