February 28, 2005

The Houston Department of Health and Human Services (HDHHS) encourages people to get a flu shot if they are planning to travel during spring break. Most regions in Texas continue to report flu cases.

HDHHS recommends people age 19 to 64 who did not meet earlier high-risk vaccination criteria take advantage of the current availability of flu vaccines. HDHHS last week obtained extra doses of the vaccine from the Harris County Hospital District.

Everyone is eligible to receive the vaccine.

HDHHS offers the vaccines on a sliding scale basis. They are free to some clients while others pay $5 or $15. To find the nearest health center, call the city’s 311 information line or 713-794-9267 or visit www.houstonhealth.org on the Internet.
Health centers and their locations are:

• La Nueva Casa De Amigos, 1809 N. Main
• Lyons Avenue, 5602 Lyons Avenue
• Magnolia, 7037 Capitol
• Sunnyside, 9314 Cullen
• West End, 190 Heights Blvd.
• Northside, 8523 Arkansas
• Third Ward Multi-Service Center, 3611 Ennis

Since January, HDHHS has received reports of 87 lab-confirmed flu cases in the Houston area. Flu cases total 69 in Houston; Harris County, 10; Fort Bend County, 4; Brazoria County,2; Galveston County, 1 and Liberty County, 1.

Influenza is a contagious disease that results in symptoms such as fever, headache, tiredness, cough, nasal congestion, sore throat and body aches. Most people recover in one to two weeks, but some develop complications such as pneumonia, bronchitis and sinus and ear infections.