IT’S NOT TOO LATE TO GET YOUR FLU SHOT!!!
EPHC OFFERS A FLU SHOT CLINIC WED. JAN 22, 2:00 – 4:00 pm
IN THE PORTOLA HOSPITAL EDUCATION CENTER
NO APPOINTMENT NECESSARY
BOOSTER SHOTS AVAILABLE IF YOU HAD YOUR 1ST SHOT 3 OR MORE MONTHS AGO. CALL 832.6500 WITH QUESTIONS.

County Press Release re: Flu activity increase–
Plumas County –Following the normal seasonal pattern, influenza activity is on the rise in Plumas County and nationwide. Many California counties, and other states, are reporting patients who are critically ill with influenza, including healthy young adults. Four hospitalized cases of local adults with flu like symptoms have recently been reported to Plumas County Public Health Agency, with two of these cases confirmed as H1N1.
The H1N1 strain appears to be the predominant strain circulating so far in California and in the rest of the United States this flu season. The H1N1 virus, which emerged during the 2009 pandemic, causes more illness in children and young adults, compared to older adults. It causes severe illness in all age groups, including those younger than 65 years of age. This year’s influenza vaccine protects against the strains circulating in California, including H1N1.

The vaccine is available now. Once vaccinated, it takes approximately two weeks before you are fully protected against the flu. An influenza vaccine is especially important for pregnant women and other people at higher risk for severe influenza.

It’s impossible to predict the severity of a flu season, but the best way to prevent spread of the flu is to get vaccinated. With flu season just starting in Plumas County and usually peaking in February and lasting through April, it’s not too late to get a flu shot that can protect you through flu season.

Plumas County Public Health Agency is offering the following free flu clinics throughout Plumas County. Except for the walk-in Clinic in Quincy on January 16, 2014, it is important to call ahead for an appointment so Public Health nurses can insure there is enough vaccine on hand. Appointments may be made by calling 530-283-6330.

Quincy Area:

* January 16th – 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm – Walk in Clinic at 270 County Hospital Road in Quincy – NO APPOINTMENT NEEDED!

OR

* Call Public Health for an appointment

Chester:
January 16th – 10:00 am – Noon – ABC Center – 372 Main Street, Chester – Please call Public Health for an appointment.

Portola:
January 23rd – 10:00 am – 3:00 pm – Public Health Clinic – 171 Nevada Street, Portola – Please call Public Health for an appointment.

Greenville:
February 6th – 10:00 am – Noon – Public Health Clinic – 120 Bidwell, Greenville – Please call Public Health for an appointment.

This year’s vaccine protects against several strains of flu including the H1N1 virus. “I am strongly reminding Plumas County residents to heed the recommendation for everyone six months of age and older to receive their vaccination for influenza,” states Dr. Valeska Armisen, Plumas County Health Officer. “If you received a flu vaccine in recent months you are protected for this season.”

An annual influenza virus (flu) vaccination is the first and most important step in protection against the flu. In addition, the following simple measures can further prevent contracting or transmitting the flu.

* Avoid close face to face contact with persons who have respiratory illnesses
* Stay home when you are sick
* Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or your elbow when you cough or sneeze
* Wash or sanitize your hands before and after touching your eyes, nose or mouth

Contact your regular medical provider if you are concerned about being ill with flu at 832.6600.