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Flu season is far from over. According to the Union County Health Department and the Center for Disease Control, most influenza occurs in January and the season can last as late as May.

Office Manager Glenda Brown says, "We need to get the word out that flu season is not over and shots are still available at Union County Health Department. The cost of the vaccination is $25 but with proof of income, fees can be reduced according to a sliding fee scale."

County Nurse Manager Leslie Hughes agrees, "Flu season is still underway in Union County . We have doses available for adults and children and recommend that every child in day-care or pre-school have a flu shot." The Health Department has given almost 2400 flu shots this season and will continue giving them through March 2007.

The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by an influenza virus. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times leads to death. The symptoms include high fever, headache, extreme tiredness, dry cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle-aches, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Complications of flu can include bacterial pneumonia, ear infection, sinus infection, dehydration, and worsening of chronic medical conditions.

Flu spreads mainly from person to person thorough coughing and sneezing. People may become infected by touching something with the flu virus on it and then touching their eyes, mouth, or nose. Most healthy adults are able to infect others beginning a day before symptoms ever develop.

The best way to prevent the flu is to get a flu vaccine, but good health habits can also help. Avoid close contact with sick people. When sick, keep your distance from others. Stay home when you are sick. Cover your mouth and nose with tissue when coughing or sneezing. Wash your hands often. Avoid touching your eyes, mouth, and nose. To keep your immune system healthy, get plenty of sleep, make time for exercise, eat nutritious food, drink plenty of water, keep stress under control, and don't smoke.

Glenda adds, 'We also want everyone to know about our Child Safety Seat Program. We have been awarded $19,200 in federal funds from the Governor's Office of Highway Safety to keep this program going."

In 2006 Union County Health Department's CPS Technicians checked 204 child safety seats and gave 141 seats in a three month period from October to December.

Child Safety Seat Technician Samantha Franklin is available to make sure children are riding safely. Samantha says, "Please be sure to bring your child with you."

Flu shots and safety seats are just the tip of the ice-burg at our local heath department. The Union County Health Department exists to protect, promote, and prevent. These three key words describe the purpose of the local Health Department and reflect the attitude of the dedicated staff members.

The Health Department's many programs include the Child Safety Seat Program, Medical Services, Dental Services, the WIC program, the Immunization Program, and Environmental Services.

Medical Services include diabetic screenings, head-lice checks (and medication), tuberculosis screenings, blood pressure screenings, pregnancy tests, therapeutic injections, urinalysis, immunizations, women's health physicals and pap smears, family planning services, STD screenings, mammogram referrals, dental services, lab services (most blood tests require a doctor's order), and child health physicals.

The Environmental Health Services include inspection of food service establishments, investigation of food-borne complaints and illnesses, inspection of sewage management systems, subdivision evaluations, rabies control, and prevention of exposure to hazardous substances in the environment.

Everyone at the Union County Health Department is committed to protecting and improving the health of the citizens of Union County . Through a variety of programs and services, the dedicated staff members provide some of the best care in the world.

The Union County Health Department is currently located at 55 Hughes Street in Blairsville , Georgia although a new building is in the works. For more information visit the Union County Health Department web site.