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COLUMBUS—With flu season approaching, now is the time to focus on strategies to prevent its spread in the community.

In a recent press release, Polk County Health & Human Services Director Joshua Kennedy stressed the importance of flu prevention and encouraged the community to get their seasonal flu vaccine.

“Besides feeling miserable from the flu or other respiratory illnesses, people risk missing work, quality time with friends and family, and getting others sick,” said Kennedy. “We are also concerned about the general workforce and our employers who may feel the impact of employees calling out sick due to illness. We are encouraging everyone to be flu fighters and get your seasonal flu shot.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control, the flu spreads from person to person via droplets while coughing, sneezing, or talking, and it can spread before a person even realizes that they may have the flu. 

The CDC estimates that the direct impact of the flu on the U.S. economy is millions of dollars each year, including medical costs such as doctor visits, hospitalizations, and treatments. These costs increase when considering lost wages and lost productivity by employees, resulting from either someone being sick or caregiving.

“The annual number of people with symptomatic illnesses and medical visits due to flu is estimated to be in the millions,” said Dr. Rivers Woodward, Health and Human Services Medical Director. “Missing work or school can be avoided, and the associated financial impact to families and businesses can be avoided by staying up to date with your flu shot. Accessing the vaccine is extremely easy by visiting your doctor’s office or a local pharmacy.”

To prevent the flu from spreading, stay home if you are sick, cover your mouth or nose when sneezing or coughing, wash your hands frequently, avoid touching your face, and clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces at work, home, and school.

To find a vaccine location in Polk County, you can call 828-894-8271 to speak to a member of the Polk County Public Health Division or visit flu.ncdhhs.gov.