Health and Fitness : It’s Not Too Late to Protect You and Your Family From the Flu

Surveillance by the Iowa Department of Public Health and Benton County Public Health, and testing by the State Hygienic Laboratory indicate flu activity continues to be widespread in Iowa. The flu season typically peaks in February and can last as late as May. "As long as flu viruses are circulating, it's not too late to get the vaccine," said Benton County Public Health Director Katie Cox, BSN, RN.

There has been much focus on the novel coronavirus first detected in China and while public health officials take the novel coronavirus outbreak seriously, the risk of influenza is much more significant to Benton County residents. It's not too late to receive the flu vaccine and in order to prevent flu and other viruses from spreading, remember the three Cs:

• Clean your hands frequently with soap and water.
• Cover coughs and sneezes with your elbow or upper arm.
• Contain germs by staying home when ill.

For more information about the novel coronavirus, visithttps://idph.iowa.gov/Emerging-Health-Issues/Novel-Coronavirus and to learn more about the flu, see https://idph.iowa.gov/influenza.

If you have questions or concerns regarding influenza vaccines and vaccination schedules for your family, your best resource is your primary health care provider. Learn more about the providers in all the Virginia Gay family medical clinics located in Benton County by visiting, www.myvgh.org.