Influenza (also known as flu) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and lungs. Flu symptoms can include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills, and/or feeling tired. Flu viruses are thought to spread mainly by droplets made when someone with flu coughs, sneezes, or talks. A person can also get the flu by touching something that has flu virus on it and then touching their mouth, eyes, or nose.
As we enter flu season, Public Health is promoting the importance of getting a flu vaccine as the best way to protect yourself and your family from flu. Flu viruses are constantly changing, so flu vaccines may be updated from one season to the next to protect against the viruses that research suggests will be common during the upcoming flu season. Even if a person got the flu shot last year, individuals need to get re-vaccinated every year to maintain protection against the flu.
Flu vaccines are made using strict safety and production measures. While wearing a mask and social distancing can help protect you and others from COVID-19, flu, and other respiratory viruses, the best way to reduce your risk of flu illness is to get a flu vaccine.
The City of Nashua Division of Public Health and Community Services (DPHCS) urges all residents ages six months and older to visit their medical provider, local pharmacy, or local health department for vaccination. The City of Nashua DPHCS, located at 18 Mulberry Street in Nashua, offers flu vaccines every Tuesday from 4 to 7 PM and every Friday from 9 AM to 12 PM. To schedule an appointment, call 603-589-4500, option 2.
In addition to getting the flu vaccine, it is essential to practice good hand hygiene by properly and frequently washing your hands. Make it a habit to clean and disinfect commonly used surfaces in the home, school, or office. Always cough or sneeze into a tissue or elbow and avoiding touching your face.
Visit https://www.cdc.gov/flu/index.htm for additional tips on staying healthy during flu season. For more information, please call the City of Nashua DPHCS at 603-589-4500.
