South Dakota has its first confirmed flu case of the season. A Marshall County resident in the 70 to 79 age group was hospitalized with influenza A. Colleen Winter with the state Department of Health says everyone six months and older should get vaccinated
“Flu vaccine is available in your communities,” Winter says. “And that’s the best line of defense. So our message is reach out to your healthcare provider, your healthcare professional, some of the pharmacies are providing vaccines, but now’s the time to get vaccinated.”
Winter says vaccinations are particularly crucial for pregnant women, people over 50 years old, people with chronic medical conditions, and those who are regularly in contact with high risk populations.
“It’s important, especially for those of us who may have others in our families who can’t get vaccinated,” Winter says. “For example maybe we have babies under six months who can’t get vaccinated, so we want to make sure that all those children around them and the adults and the care providers are vaccinated for flu so we don’t expose those who can’t be vaccinated.”
Winter says an eggless flu vaccine is now available for those with allergies. She says it’s also important to remember basic hygiene: wash hands often with soap and water, cover coughs and sneezes, and stay home when sick.