With COVID-19 still spreading, flu experts at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) say it’s more important than ever to get your flu shot this year. The Habersham County Health Department (HCHD) is making it easy to do that. The department will hold its annual Drive-Through Flu Shot Clinic at 185 Scoggins Drive in Demorest from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. on October 5.
“It takes about two weeks after vaccination for the body to build full immunity against influenza,” says District 2 Public Health spokesperson Dave Palmer, “so now is a good time to get vaccinated.”
The cost of the shot is $30 for self-pay. The health department accepts cash, credit and debit cards, as well as Medicare, Medicaid, Peach Care, Amerigroup, WellCare, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Cigna, Coventry, and United Health Care (state health benefit plan).
If you can’t come to the drive-through clinic, you can still get your flu shot at the health department. Curbside service is available. Call 706-778-7156 for an appointment (no appointment needed for drive-through shots). Habersham County Health Department clinic hours are 8 a.m.-11 a.m. and 1 p.m.-4 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday.
Also, if you are interested in the health department coming to your business to give flu shots, call 706-778-7156 ext. 104 to ask about the service.
Who should get a flu shot?
The CDC recommends that all persons, six months of age and older, who can take the flu shot, do so. A “high-dose” influenza vaccine is recommended for individuals age 65 years and older. A higher dose of antigen in the (high-dose) vaccine helps boost the immune response in older people and improves protection against influenza, according to the Georgia Department of Public Health.
Influenza activity typically lasts from October to May in the United States but can occur at any time.
Those at higher risk of developing complications from the flu include children 5 years and younger and adults 65 and older, pregnant women, long-term care facility residents, and those with weakened immune systems. Children and adolescents, ages 6 months to 18 years, who are receiving long-term aspirin therapy are also at higher risk for complications.
COVID and flu similarities and differences
Both COVID-19 and flu can have varying degrees of signs and symptoms, ranging from no symptoms (asymptomatic) to severe symptoms, according to the CDC. Common symptoms that COVID-19 and flu share include:
- Fever or feeling feverish/chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fatigue (tiredness)
- Sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Muscle pain or body aches
- Headache
- Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults
The CDC says the flu is more likely to appear with rapid onset of illness, high fever, and prominent headache and body aches. Signs and symptoms of COVID-19 different from flu may include a change in or loss of taste or smell. If you suspect you have either illness, contact your healthcare provider to determine the best course of action to take.
Public Health officials urge you to help slow the spread of both viruses by washing your hands often with soap and water or with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, cover coughs and sneezes, and stay home if you are sick. Cleaning and disinfecting common surfaces in your home and work area can also limit the spread of germs. Wear a face covering while out in public and maintain six feet between yourself and others.
