Basic practices such as handwashing and vaccination can make all the difference

Summit County, Utah (September 20, 2017) — As autumn and cold and flu season approaches, the Summit County Health Department is reminding Summit County residents of basic measures they can take to help them from getting or spreading sickness.

“Taking preventative measures to avoid cold and flu is important not only for your health but the health of those around you,” Carolyn Rose, Health Department Nursing Director said. “People with asthma, diabetes, or who are undergoing cancer treatment are more susceptible to viruses that result in illness requiring hospitalization.”

Simple, common-sense practices can make all the difference, including the following:

  • Practice good health habits. Things, like getting plenty of sleep, being physically active, managing your stress, drinking plenty of fluids and eating nutritious food, make more of a difference than you might think.
  • Getting a yearly flu vaccine (more information on clinic hours and locations below)
  • Wash hands regularly with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
  • Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing to help prevent the spread of germs.
  • Avoid touching your eyes nose or mouth to reduce the spread of germs.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick
  • Stay home when you are sick. (At least 24 hours after your fever is gone without the use of fever-reducing medicines, such as acetaminophen. This will help ensure that your fever is truly gone and you are past the point of being contagious.)
  • Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may become contaminated with germs (especially items you use every day, like phones, keys, remotes, keyboards, etc.)
  • Be sure to take all antiviral drugs if your doctor prescribes them.

The health department also wants to remind residents that flu vaccines are available at the following times and locations. The cost is $25 for children 6 months through 18 years with no insurance. For those 65 and older, a high-dose flu shot is $58 and a pneumonia vaccine is $95. The health department bills to Medicare and Medicaid.

  • Coalville Office: Every Tuesday beginning October 3, 9-11 a.m., 2-4 p.m. Vaccines will be available every Tuesday during these hours as long as the clinic remains supplied. Call 435-336-3234 for more information.
  • Park City Office: Every Wednesday beginning October 4, 9-11 a.m., 2-4 p.m. Vaccines will be available every Wednesday during these hours as long as the clinic remains supplied. Call 435-333-1500for more information.
  • Kamas Office: Every Tuesday beginning October 3, 9-11 a.m., 2-4 p.m. Vaccines will be available every Tuesday during these hours as long as the clinic remains supplied. Call 435-783-3161 for more information.

Learn more about influenza here.