Important Flu Information from the Madison Health Department

The Madison Health Department has limited doses of 2012-2013 seasonal flu vaccine still available.  Vaccination against influenza infection is recommended for all who are six months of age and older with no medical contraindicaton to the vaccine. The cost is $25.00 and appointments are advised. 

Vaccine vouchers are also available for those over the age of 18 years who are uninsured and cannot afford to pay the fee.  Call Madison Health Department at 973 593-3079 x 1 to schedule an appointment or for additional information.

The State of New Jersey is currently in the grip of one of the worst flu seasons in recent memory. With this in mind, the Madison Health Department urges all residents to be aware and to take precautionary and preventative measures.

Flu viruses are thought to spread mainly from person to person through the coughing, sneezing, or talking of someone with the flu. Flu viruses also may spread when people touch something with flu virus on it and then touch their mouth, eyes, or nose. People infected with flu may be able to infect others beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 5-7 days after becoming sick. That means you may be able to spread the flu to someone else before you know you are sick as well as while you are sick.Young children, those who are severely ill, and those who have severely weakened immune systems may be able to infect others for longer than 5-7 days.

Everyday preventive actions are steps that people can take to help slow the spread of germs that cause respiratory illness, like flu:
1. Get a flu shot.
2. Wash your hands when applicable and possible.
3. Always Cover your cough
4. Stay home if you feel sick.
5. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
6. Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
7. If you or your child gets sick with a respiratory illness, like flu, limit contact with others as much as possible to help prevent spreading illness. Stay home (or keep your child home) for at least 24 hours after fever is gone except to seek medical care or for other necessities. 
8. If an outbreak of flu or another illness occurs, follow public health advice. This may include information about how to increase distance between people and other measures.
Please follow these public health recommendations, and if you need further resources on the flu or to get a flu shot, contact:

1. Madison Health Department at www.rosenet.org or 973-593-3079

2. Visit www.flu.gov