Nassau County - Long Island, New York

November 30, 2012

Mangano and Eisenstein:  Residents Reminded That It’s

Not Too Late to Get a Flu Shot

Mineola, NY - In recognition of National Influenza Vaccination Week (December 2-8), Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano and Health Commissioner Dr. Lawrence Eisenstein remind residents that it is not too late to get a flu shot.

“National Influenza Vaccination Week provides an excellent opportunity to inform our residents of the importance of receiving their annual flu shot,” said County Executive Ed Mangano.  "Getting vaccinated is the single best way for people to protect not only themselves against flu, but their loved ones as well."

“Influenza vaccination is recommended for everyone six months of age and older as the first and most important step in protecting against flu viruses,” said Dr. Eisenstein, Commissioner of Health.   “The flu vaccine is the best way modern medicine currently has to protect against this potentially serious disease.  Once vaccinated, it takes about 2 weeks for the body’s immune response to fully kick in.”

In the United States, on average 5% to 20% of the population gets the flu and more than 200,000 people are hospitalized from seasonal flu-related complications. Flu seasons are unpredictable and can be severe. Rates of serious illness and death are highest among persons older than 65 years of age and persons of any age who have medical conditions that place them at increased risk for complications from seasonal influenza.

County Executive Mangano and Health Commissioner Eisenstein remind residents to take everyday preventive actions to stop the spread of influenza and other germs.

  • Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread this way.
  • Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
  • If you are sick with flu–like illness, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. (Your fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.)
  • While sick, limit contact with others as much as possible to keep from infecting them.

For additional information about influenza and influenza vaccine visit the CDC website at www.cdc.gov/flu