THE ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH SAYS IT’S TIME TO GET YOUR ANNUAL FLU SHOT. 

FLU SEASON IS HERE AND EVERYONE SIX MONTHS AND OLDER SHOULD BE VACCINATED SAYS STATE PUBLIC HEALTH DIRECTOR DOCTOR NGOZI (en-gozi) EZIKE (eh-zee-kay).

IT TAKES ABOUT TWO WEEKS FOR THE SHOT TO BE FULLY EFFECTIVE. 

THE VACCINE IS AVAILABLE AS BOTH AN INJECTION AND A NASAL SPRAY THIS YEAR…AND IS RECOMMENDED FOR EVERYONE OVER SIX MONTHS OF AGE. IT CAN BE A VERY SERIOUS ILLNESS FOR SOME…CAUSING COMPLICATIONS LIKE PNEUMONIA. THOSE MOST AT RISK INCLUDE SENIORS, YOUNG CHILDREN AND PREGNANT WOMEN.

THE PUBLIC IS ALSO ADVISED TO WASH THEIR HANDS FREQUENTLY, COVER THEIR COUGHS AND STAY HOME IF THEY’RE SICK. SYMPTOMS INCLUDE FEVER, CHILLS, COUGH, RUNNY OR STUFFY NOSE, FATIGUE AND BODY ACHES.