[Archived] Alexandria Health Department Helps Individuals Stay Healthy from Flu During and After Holidays

City Press Release


	For Immediate Release	For More Information, Contact
	December 13, 2006 PIO# 265-06/rdo	Brian Hannigan, Director of Communications, or Raynard Owens, Communications Officer, at 703.838.4300 Raynard Owens, Communications Officer, at 703.838.4300

ALEXANDRIA HEALTH DEPARTMENT HELPS INDIVIDUALS STAY HEALTHY
FROM FLU DURING AND AFTER HOLIDAYS
Special Saturday Clinic Offers Affordable Flu Shots at Cost of $25

With the 2006 flu season already underway, Alexandria is helping individuals stay healthy during and after the holidays by providing flu shots at an affordable cost. The flu shots will be offered to the public at a special flu clinic on Saturday, Dec. 16, from 9 a.m. to noon at the Alexandria Health Department, located at 4480 King St. The cost for each flu shot is $25 and no appointment is needed.

In the United States, the flu season extends from November through April, and sometimes lasts into May. The Virginia Department of Health recommends vaccinations from October through April for all persons age six months and older.

The flu spreads mostly through coughing and sneezing. It can also be spread by touching a surface with the virus on it and then touching one’s eyes, nose, or mouth.

Seasonal flu is marked by upper respiratory symptoms such as coughing and sneezing, fatigue, muscle aches, fever, and headaches. Seasonal flu has also been known to cause vomiting or nausea in children. The best way to prevent catching and spreading seasonal flu is to get vaccinated.

For more information, call the Alexandria Health Department at 703-838-4400, extension 334.

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