Charles County, MD — With flu season coming up fast, the CDC recommends that everyone over six months of age get a flu vaccine by the end of October if they can.

They remind people that flu vaccination can an reduce flu illnesses, doctors’ visits, and missed work and school due to flu, as well as prevent flu-related hospitalizations.

To make sure everyone who can gets immunized, the Charles County Department of Health is offering free  flu vaccination clinics. Flu Mist© (nasal spray) will be available this year.

Flu vaccinations will be offered daily on a walk-in basis, Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m at Charles County Dept. of Health located at  4545 Crain Highway in  White Plains. The clinic is free, but donations are accepted.

Additionally, evening community clinics are scheduled in several schools:

  • Sat. Oct. 5, from  10 a.m.-2 p.m. Benjamin Stoddert Middle School in Waldorf
  • Thursday October 17,  3 – 7 p.m. La Plata High School in La Plata
  • Tuesday October 29, 3 -7 p.m. Piccowaxen Middle School in Newburg
  • Thursday November 7, 4 – 7 p.m. Smallwood Middle School in Indian Head
  • Tuesday November 12, 3 – 7 p.m. Westlake High School in Waldorf

 

Also, make sure to take these everyday actions to stop the spread of the flu virus.

  • Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water (Wet, Lather, Scrub, Rinse, Dry).  If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread this way.
  • Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
  • While sick, limit contact with others as much as possible to keep from infecting them.
  • If you are sick with flu-like illness, CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. (Your fever should be gone for 24 hours without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.)
  • Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with germs like the flu.