MONTGOMERY — With influenza activity levels continuing to increase across the state, including several deaths attributed to the deaths, the Alabama Department of Public Health is conducting free flu shot clinics for Alabama residents. The vaccine is available for both children and adults and there will be no charge for the vaccination during these Influenza Vaccination Clinics.
Some schedules may be adjusted, so please call the numbers located within the Influenza Clinic Schedule found at alabamapublichealth.gov/immunization. Click here to view and download the Influenza Clinic Schedule.
“I have never seen a flu season this serious. Pediatricians are alarmed about the severity of recent cases and I urge families to be vaccinated against influenza as well as follow the advice of their physicians regarding any treatment measures, including antivirals,” said Dr. Wes Stubblefield, president of the Alabama Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Some of the symptoms of influenza include fever, cough, sore throat, runny/stuffy nose, headache, muscle aches, and extreme fatigue.
Preventive measures include:
- Get flu vaccine, it is not too late
- Stay at home when ill
- Cover your cough and sneeze
- Wash hands
- Clean and disinfect
Antiviral medication should be considered to reduce the severity of influenza.
“While much of the information for antiviral use has been for high-risk patients, antiviral medication can be prescribed early in the course of the illness in otherwise healthy persons as determined by the clinical judgment of the healthcare provider. The medication works best when given within the first 24-48 hours of symptom onset,” said Dr. Karen Landers, a pediatrician with ADPH.