Hays County proclaims Flu Vaccination Week

At its December 5 meeting, Hays County Commissioners Court proclaimed December 2-8 as National Influenza Vaccination Week and encouraged those who have not already received a flu shot to visit their doctor, clinic, or pharmacy to get one.

“It is highly recommended that anyone over the age of six months get a flu shot to help prevent a flu epidemic like we had last season,” Hays County Epidemiologist Eric Schneider told the Court, noting that even if the flu vaccine isn’t 100 percent effective, it can help build antibodies to fight off the flu more quickly.

“Peak flu season in Central Texas is in January and February, so there’s still time to get your vaccination and have it take effect,” Schneider said. It takes about two weeks for a vaccination to reach full effectiveness, and the vaccine used cannot cause the flu.

Last flu season, Hays County residents suffered from almost 4,000 positive flu cases and more than 12,000 cases of “flu-like” symptoms. The numbers include all the unreported flu cases that occur when people “tough it out” at home without seeing a doctor.

“While most adults can recover from the flu with proper medication, the flu can be fatal for children, the elderly, and people with compromised immune systems,” Schneider said. “Fifteen residents of Hays County passed away last year due to complications from the flu.”

To prevent an outbreak, Schneider recommends that people sneeze and cough into their arm or sleeve, wash hands frequently with soap and warm water, and stay home if feeling sick. “Make sure that influenza is not one of the gifts you are giving this holiday season,” he said.