FOR THE TOMAHAWK LEADER

LINCOLN COUNTY – With children back in school, and adults back to work after a busy summer, the Lincoln County Health Department asks everyone to protect themselves and others by getting their yearly flu shot.

“The best way to prevent the flu is by getting your flu shot,” reports Jennifer Johnson, Public Health Nurse for Lincoln County Health Dept. “Flu shots should be given yearly and as soon as they are available. This is usually September or October; however, flu shots can and should still be given through late spring for those who did not receive it earlier.”

Influenza can range from mild to severe, and in some cases can cause life-threatening complications. Symptoms can come on quickly and include fever, headache, dry cough, sore throat, nasal congestion, body aches and tiredness. If someone does get the flu after getting vaccinated, it is more likely to be a milder case.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), everyone age six months and older should be vaccinated. Flu vaccine has been shown to be life-saving in children. In fact, a 2017 study showed that flu vaccination can significantly reduce a child’s risk of dying from the flu, according to the CDC.

A total of 13 Lincoln County residents were hospitalized due to influenza last flu season; all occurred during February through April. Flu and problems from the flu are serious and can be avoided. Do not delay; it can take up to two weeks for the vaccine to be effective.

The Health Dept. is holding adult flu clinics on the following dates and times: Walk-In Wednesday Flu Shot Clinics, every Wednesday from Oct. 2 through Nov.20 at the Lincoln County Health Dept., 607 N. Sales Street, Suite 101, Merrill, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and the Tomahawk Senior Center, 113 S. Tomahawk Avenue, Tomahawk, on Thursday, Oct. 24, from 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m.

The cost of the Quadravalent flu shot is $40.00. Traditional Medicare, Security Health Plan (Essence, Esteem and Spirit) and Railroad Retirement are accepted. The Health Dept. is unable to bill any other Medicare Advantage Plans or private insurance (for example Humana, United Health Care, Blue Cross Blue Shield, etc.). Please bring your insurance card. No appointment is necessary.

If you have more questions about influenza or times of clinics, please call the Lincoln County Health Dept. at 715-536-0307. For more information about the Health Department’s programs and services, visit lincolncountyhealthdepartment.com or find the Health Dept. on Facebook.