Warren County Health Department will be offering a free flu clinic Wednesday, Dec. 5, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

“The flu is out there and everybody needs to get vaccinated,” said Pat Williams, Health Department employee. “We’ve been seeing cases of the flu for a while. It’s out there and everyone 6 months old and up needs to be vaccinated to help us all be healthy and to keep the ones who can’t get vaccinated healthy.”

Free vaccines will be available while supplies last.

A report for October was given to members of the county’s Health and Welfare Committee this month.

The department, in collaboration with Warren County Schools, offered flu vaccines to students and staff from Oct. 26 thru Nov. 2.  

“We vaccinated 935 students and staff in the school system during the last week of October,” said Williams.

There are everyday actions that can help prevent the spread of viruses that cause respiratory illnesses like the flu. Take these steps to protect your health:

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze and before eating. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
• If you get sick with influenza, stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.

• Contact your medical provider if symptoms become severe or worsen.

The health department had 2,914 visits from 2,647 clients in October. Also during that month, the department provided 1,064 vaccines.