Flu Season is Here – Prevention is Key!

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the New York State Department of Health have declared the start of Flu Season 2023-2024. This means that flu cases are prevalent across the state. Prevention is key and there's still time to prepare if you haven't already.

With the potential for increased flu activity in the coming months, Franklin County Public Health Services (FCPHS) is encouraging individuals to take proactive steps to protect themselves, their families, and their communities. They encourage flu vaccination, which remains one of the most effective ways to prevent the illness and its complications.

FCPHS holds regular Immunization Clinics on Mondays and Wednesdays. Call to schedule your flu vaccination 518-481-1535 or schedule at one of your local pharmacies or your primary care provider’s office.

They also remind County residents to follow these tried and true safety measures to help stop the spread of flu:

• Practice regular hand washing with soap and water.

• Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or the crook of your arm.

• Avoid close contact with individuals displaying flu-like symptoms.

• Stay at home if feeling unwell to prevent the potential spread of the virus.

• Encourage your friends and family to get vaccinated and follow these safety measures to protect our communities from the flu.

“Franklin County Public Health Services is committed to the well-being of Franklin County residents. The increased flu prevalence underscores the importance of individual and collective action,” said Katie Strack, Franklin County's Director of Public Health. “By getting vaccinated and following recommended safety measures, we can work together to reduce the impact of flu on our communities.”

For weekly updates on flu activity in New York State go to https://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/influenza/surveillance/ and click on Current Week Influenza Activity Report.

Submitted by Franklin County Public Health.