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The Florida Department of Health works to protect, promote, and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county, and community efforts.

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Influenza (Flu)

Florida Department of Health in Santa Rosa County

The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and sometimes the lungs. Many people who are sick with the flu may recover without requiring medical treatment. However, some people have been hospitalized and have died from the virus, so early evaluation by a doctor is important. 

Anyone can get flu (including healthy people), and serious issues related to flu can happen at any age, but some people are at higher risk of developing serious flu-related complications, including individuals age 65 and older, those with chronic medical conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease), pregnant women, and children younger than 5 years.

Symptoms 

Flu symptoms usually come on suddenly. People who have flu often feel some or all of these signs and symptoms:

  • Fever/chills (not everyone with the flu gets a fever)
  • Cough
  • Sore throat
  • Headache
  • Runny nose
  • Muscle aches
  • Weakness/fatigue
  • Sometimes diarrhea and vomiting

Transmission 

The flu is spread when an infected person coughs or sneezes into the air around them. Tiny droplets that hold the flu virus are expelled into the air and distributed over surfaces like desks, countertops, and doorknobs, where they are touched or inhaled by the next person.

Nasal secretions can also be spread from the infected person through a handshake.

Prevention 

  • Wash your hands frequently! This is the number one way to keep the flu from spreading.
  • Get vaccinated.
  • Avoid contact with people who have been diagnosed with flu or who appear to have symptoms.
  • Keep surfaces that you touch clean.

Treatment 

  • Call a doctor about testing and treatment options.
  • Wash your hands frequently.
  • Cover your coughs and sneezes.
  • Drink lots of water to stay hydrated.
  • Get plenty of rest.
  • Stay home and isolate yourself for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone, except to get medical care.
  • If at all possible, do not go out except to go to the doctor.
  • Keep surfaces that you touch sanitized with a mild bleach solution (1 part bleach, 9 parts water) or other disinfectant.
  • Avoid contact with immune compromised people such as pregnant women, elderly, infants, small children, and anyone with HIV, diabetes, cancer, asthma, or any other immune compromising condition.

Flu Vaccinations 

The Florida Department of Health in Santa Rosa County is now offering flu vaccines for adults and children.

Please call the Florida Department of Health in Santa Rosa County at 850-983-5200 for fees.

  • Cash, credit cards, and checks are accepted. We also accept Medicare Part B for flu shots. 
  • Vaccines are free for eligible children through the age of 18 through the Vaccines for Children program. Quantities of the free vaccines are limited. Parents are encouraged to call the clinic at 850-983-5200 for information on vaccine availability.

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