Updated 1/1/20

The Giles County Health Department and local physicians are urging folks who have not yet received a flu shot this season to get one as soon as possible, as seasonal influenza cases are increasing across the county and state.

No appointments are needed at the local Health Department to receive a free flu vaccine.

TDH and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend a yearly flu vaccine for everyone ages six months and older. It’s especially important for pregnant women to receive a flu shot to protect themselves and their unborn child, as flu is more likely to cause severe illness in pregnant women.

The flu virus is highly contagious, so it is important for people who are ill to stay home and avoid contact with others until their symptoms have resolved to help prevent further spread of the illness which includes staying away from work, school and other public places while sick.

Doctors advise parents not to send a child to school with a runny nose, coughing, fever or vomiting.