FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Monday, Oct. 24, 2016

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 781-533-9398
Email: john@jgpr.net

*Joint Release* Andover and North Andover Health Divisions Urge Residents to Get Flu Shots

ANDOVER and NORTH ANDOVER — As flu activity begins to increase in October, the Andover and North Andover Health Divisions would like to provide residents with health tips and remind them to get their flu vaccination.

Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is an extremely contagious respiratory illness caused by A or B viruses that appear mostly in the winter or early spring. It attacks the body by spreading through the respiratory tract.

Flu-like symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people may also experience nausea, vomiting or diarrhea.

“It is vital that all residents, especially those who are high risk, get their flu shots every year to protect themselves against the flu virus,” said Thomas Carbone, Director of Public Health in Andover. “If you do have flu-like symptoms, stay home and be sure to drink plenty of fluids. Contact your physician if your symptoms are severe or prolonged.”

The vaccine is updated each year based on which influenza viruses scientists believe will be most prevalent. The Centers of Disease Control (CDC) recommends a yearly flu vaccine as the first and most important step in protecting against flu viruses, as it designed to:

• Decrease the chances of experiencing severe symptoms and speed up your recovery if you do get sick.
• Protect people who are at greater risk of getting seriously ill from flu, like children younger than 2 years old, adults 65 and older, pregnant women (and those up to two weeks postpartum), and people with chronic health conditions. Vaccination also is important for health care workers and other people who live with or care for high risk people.
• Protect those who cannot be vaccinated, due to medical reasons, from getting sick.

“We want all of our residents to be as healthy as possible as we head into this year’s flu season,” said Brian LaGrasse, Director of Public Health in North Andover. “Please, get your vaccination and make sure to see your doctor if you feel like you may be getting the flu.”

The Andover Community flu clinic will be held on Nov. 15 from 4-7 p.m. at the Center at Punchard (Senior Center), 30 Whittier Ct. The clinic is for residents age three and older with no appointment necessary. Nasal Mist will not be available this year. Residents are asked to bring their insurance cards for billing purposes; there is no out of pocket charge regardless of insurance coverage.

The North Andover family flu clinic will be held on Oct. 25 from 5-7 p.m. at North Andover High School, 430 Osgood St. The clinic is for residents in Kindergarten and older with no appointment necessary. Nasal Mist will not be available this year. Residents are asked to bring their insurance cards for billing purposes.

The North Andover Health Division will be scheduling additional flu clinics upon the completion of moving its offices back to the town hall.

For more information, visit the CDC’s website or contact your local health department. 

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