Peconic Bay Medical Center is offering free flu shots to the community on Thursday, Nov. 5, from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Most seasonal flu activity occurs between October and May and usually peaks between December and February.
Influenza is a serious illness, hospitalizing more than 200,000 and killing an average of 36,000 people in the U.S. each year. Infected people can share the virus for 24-48 hours before symptoms appear, Peconic Bay Medical Center said.
The Centers for Disease Control recommends a yearly flu vaccine for everyone 6 months of age and older as the first and most important step in protecting against influenza. People should begin getting vaccinated soon after flu vaccine becomes available, if possible by October, to ensure that as many people as possible are protected before flu season begins, the CDC says. However, as long as flu viruses are circulating in the community, it’s not too late to get vaccinated.
You cannot get the influenza from the vaccine, health officials said.
For more information on seasonal influenza and this year’s vaccine, visit the Centers for Disease Control website.
In addition to getting a seasonal flu vaccine, you can take everyday preventive actions like staying away from sick people and washing your hands to reduce the spread of germs. If you are sick with flu, stay home from work or school to prevent spreading flu to others, the CDC advises.
Peconic Bay Medical Center is located at 1300 Roanoke Avenue, Riverhead.
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