Flu Information
Take Action to Fight the Flu and Stay Healthy
Here at the Williamson Counties and Cities Health District, we take flu very seriously. It is a virus that infects thousands of our county residents each year. Last year, we saw a peak in flu cases at the end of December while the holidays were still in progress. While we cannot predict when flu will hit this year, we want to ensure that all of our residents are prepared early and protected from the flu. The best protection for children, ages 6 months and up, and adults is to get a flu vaccine. October is the best time of year to get a flu vaccine and getting immunized every year gives you the best protection from the flu.This is especially important if you are pregnant or if you or your loved ones have respiratory problems like asthma or chronic lung disease. There are a couple of options to get vaccinated. For children, the nasal spray is recommended for ages 2 to 8 year old. Flu shots are also recommended for older children and adults. Take time to inquire which flu vaccine options are best for you and your family. The other measures to prevent the flu are pretty simple. Try to avoid close contact with sick people and wash your hands regularly or use hand sanitizer. Getting vaccinated and using caution during the flu season can reduce flu illnesses, doctors’ visits, and missed work and school due to flu, as well as prevent flu‐related hospitalizations and deaths. Collective action to protect ourselves during the flu season will keep Williamson County one of the healthiest counties in Texas.
W. S. "Chip" Riggins, Jr., MD, MPH
Executive Director and Health Authority, Williamson County & Cities Health District
In addition to hand washing and flu vaccine, avoid touching the "T-zone," which includes the eyes, nose, and mouth. Cover your coughs and sneezes with your elbow. Stay home when ill to prevent the spread of illness, do not return to work/school until fever-free for 24 hours without fever reducing medication, such as Tylenol or Advil.
Nurse Tammy
Here at the Williamson Counties and Cities Health District, we take flu very seriously. It is a virus that infects thousands of our county residents each year. Last year, we saw a peak in flu cases at the end of December while the holidays were still in progress. While we cannot predict when flu will hit this year, we want to ensure that all of our residents are prepared early and protected from the flu. The best protection for children, ages 6 months and up, and adults is to get a flu vaccine. October is the best time of year to get a flu vaccine and getting immunized every year gives you the best protection from the flu.This is especially important if you are pregnant or if you or your loved ones have respiratory problems like asthma or chronic lung disease. There are a couple of options to get vaccinated. For children, the nasal spray is recommended for ages 2 to 8 year old. Flu shots are also recommended for older children and adults. Take time to inquire which flu vaccine options are best for you and your family. The other measures to prevent the flu are pretty simple. Try to avoid close contact with sick people and wash your hands regularly or use hand sanitizer. Getting vaccinated and using caution during the flu season can reduce flu illnesses, doctors’ visits, and missed work and school due to flu, as well as prevent flu‐related hospitalizations and deaths. Collective action to protect ourselves during the flu season will keep Williamson County one of the healthiest counties in Texas.
W. S. "Chip" Riggins, Jr., MD, MPH
Executive Director and Health Authority, Williamson County & Cities Health District
In addition to hand washing and flu vaccine, avoid touching the "T-zone," which includes the eyes, nose, and mouth. Cover your coughs and sneezes with your elbow. Stay home when ill to prevent the spread of illness, do not return to work/school until fever-free for 24 hours without fever reducing medication, such as Tylenol or Advil.
Nurse Tammy