The Shelby County Health Department (SCHD) reports a significant increase in the number of influenza-like illnesses in Shelby County this week (12.21.18), an indication that seasonal influenza is spreading in the community.
Emergency department data is retrieved from the Electronic Surveillance System for the Early Notification of Community-based Epidemics (ESSENCE-TN). The data shows the numbers of people reporting influenza-like symptoms at Shelby County hospital emergency departments increased by almost 300 percent this week.
“The data indicate that seasonal influenza activity has begun to increase in Shelby County and is expected to peak in January or February,” said Shelby County Health Department Director Dr. Alisa Haushalter. “We strongly encourage everyone who is sick with a fever and flu-like symptoms to stay home in order to prevent spreading illness to others. Practicing good hygiene by washing hands frequently and covering coughs also helps prevent the spread of the flu. And it is not too late to get the seasonal flu vaccine, if you have not yet been vaccinated.”
The Health Department is offering FREE influenza vaccination at all public health clinics, while supplies last.
The vaccine is available at the following locations, no appointment necessary, between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday – Friday, unless otherwise specified:
Cawthon Public Health Clinic
1000 Haynes, 38114
Collierville Public Health Clinic – Tuesday and Thursday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
167 Washington St., 38017
Hickory Hill Public Health Clinic
6590 Kirby Center Cove, 38118
Immunization Clinic
814 Jefferson, room. 216, 38105
Millington Public Health Clinic
8225 Highway 51 North, 38053
Packer Clinic
814 Jefferson, room 221, 38105
Shelby Crossing Public Health Clinic
6170 Macon Rd, 38133
Southland Mall Public Health Clinic
1287 Southland Mall, 38116
Annual vaccination against influenza is recommended for everyone six months and older, and is especially recommended for the following individuals:
- Pregnant women
- People 50 years of age and older
- People of any age with chronic medical conditions, including asthma and other lung diseases, heart disease, kidney disease and diabetes
- People who live in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities
- People who care for those at high risk for complications from influenza, including health care workers and those who care for high risk family members or babies.
The flu vaccine contains inactivated virus, so it cannot cause flu illness. Side effects from the vaccination are usually short-term and mild, and may include soreness at the injection site, low-grade fever, and body aches.
For more information about influenza, visit the influenza activity webpage at https://www.shelbytnhealth.com/375/Flu-Activity-in-Shelby-County
