The state Department of Health is advising everyone six months and older to get a flu shot as soon as possible to protect against influenza.
The state Department of Health is advising everyone six months and older to get a flu shot as soon as possible to protect against influenza.
Flu vaccination is recommended for everyone 6 months and older, and is especially important for young children, pregnant women, seniors 65 years and older, and people with high-risk conditions like asthma, diabetes, heart and lung disease, or a compromised immune system, said State Epidemiologist Dr. Sarah Park.
“The flu can make chronic health problems even worse and trigger asthma attacks by causing further inflammation of the lungs and airways, while those with chronic congestive heart failure may experience a worsening of their condition,” she said.
A recent survey by the federal Centers for Disease Control found that, nationally, less than 40 percent of people had received the flu vaccine by early November. While the flu season typically runs from October to May on the Mainland, Hawaii sees flu year-round.
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