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After Challenging Flu Season Last Year, Health Officials Say Get Vaccine Early

Senior Airman Areca T. Wilson
/
U.S. Air Force
Credit Senior Airman Areca T. Wilson / U.S. Air Force
/
U.S. Air Force

Last year brought a lot of flu activity across the state and this year health professionals are urging the public to roll up their sleeves and get flu shots early this year. 

No one can predict exactly when flu season will start or which particular strains will be the most prevalent. But you can avoid worrying about either of those things if you get a flu vaccine early, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health.​

Listen to the story.

Jennifer Layden, the department’s chief medical officer, said the nasal spray will be available again this year despite its effectiveness being questioned in the past.

“There was some concern about the effectiveness of it against a particular strain of the flu," said Layden. "They’ve modified the vaccine for that strain and believe it’s going to be just as effective.”

The spray is a live virus, so it is not available to everyone. Flu activity typically peaks first at the end of fall.

Copyright 2018 NPR Illinois | 91.9 UIS

Jaclyn has an MA in Journalism from DePaul University and a BS in History form Monmouth College. Prior to reporting, Jaclyn was a social science teacher and department chair at Greenfield High School. Previously, Jaclyn reported for WICS Newschannel 20 where she covered a variety of assignments including courts, politics, and breaking news. She also reported at Siouxland News in Sioux City Iowa, the shared CBS/Fox television newsroom. Her internships included WGN and Comcast SportsNet in Chicago.