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State health officials say vaccines and common sense are key to staying healthy during what is expected to be a busier than normal flu season this fall.
Lots of flu-related illness is expected this fall, said Janet Olszewski, the state's director of community health...
"Many many school children get the flu each year," she said. "They may only be out for three to five days worth of classes, but some of those children are going to become very ill."
Olszewski said all school aged children should be vaccinated twice - once now for the seasonal flu, and again in mid-October once a vaccine for H1N1, commonly known as swine flu, becomes available.
The vaccine recommendation also covers people living in long-term care facilities, health care providers, people with chronic illnesses and those who work with young children.
In the meantime, common sense is the name of the game.
Health officials are urging everyone to wash their hands frequently, clean high-touch surfaces often, and of course to stay home if you are sick.
More information on Michigan's flu recommendations is available at Michigan.gov/flu.
Lots of flu-related illness is expected this fall, said Janet Olszewski, the state's director of community health...
"Many many school children get the flu each year," she said. "They may only be out for three to five days worth of classes, but some of those children are going to become very ill."
Olszewski said all school aged children should be vaccinated twice - once now for the seasonal flu, and again in mid-October once a vaccine for H1N1, commonly known as swine flu, becomes available.
The vaccine recommendation also covers people living in long-term care facilities, health care providers, people with chronic illnesses and those who work with young children.
In the meantime, common sense is the name of the game.
Health officials are urging everyone to wash their hands frequently, clean high-touch surfaces often, and of course to stay home if you are sick.
More information on Michigan's flu recommendations is available at Michigan.gov/flu.
