Oct. 25, 2016 — With Marshall Hospital already reporting cases of the flu, Marshall Medical Center joins the El Dorado County Health & Human Services Agency in reminding you how to prevent the illness – and limit its effects.

Flu season typically runs from December into spring each year, though each season can vary. A flu shot stands out as one of the best ways to protect against the flu. Timing is essential. It typically takes about two weeks after the shot for the body to build immunity against the flu. “Getting the vaccine before flu season hits is important,” El Dorado County Health Officer Dr. Nancy Williams said.

Other important flu prevention methods include:

• Covering your cough with your elbow or a tissue instead of your hand
• Frequently washing hands with warm water and soap
• Staying home if you are sick so you don’t spread germs

You may be contagious for up to two days before you develop symptoms. If someone in your home is sick, please consider yourself exposed and take the appropriate precautions. You should stay home if you show any of the following symptoms: fever over 100 degrees, sore throat with a fever, cough/congestion with fever, watery diarrhea and abdominal cramps, or vomiting.

The common cold can sometimes be mistaken for the flu. "Usually, if you have the flu you will not only have respiratory symptoms, but also fever and body aches,” Williams said. “Antiviral medications (such as Tamiflu) can sometimes help reduce the symptoms of the flu if given within 48 hours after symptoms first appear.”

The El Dorado County Health and Human Services Agency, Public Health Nursing is offering lowcost flu shots at numerous community flu shot clinics. For a list of dates and locations visit www.edcgov.us/publichealth or call the County flu hotline at (530) 621-6188.

Marshall Medical Center is an independent, nonprofit community healthcare provider located in the heart of the Sierra Foothills. Marshall Medical Center includes Marshall Hospital, a fully accredited acute care facility with 113 beds in Placerville; several outpatient facilities in Cameron Park, El Dorado Hills and Georgetown; and many community health and education programs. Marshall has more than 200 boardcertified physicians and 1,500 employees providing quality healthcare services to more than 180,000 residents of El Dorado County.