Protect Yourself, Protect Others — Avoid a Twindemic

Where Can I Get a Free Flu Shot? | Avoiding A Twindemic | Staying Healthy | Why a Flu Shot? | Health Tips | Videos

With the Covid-19 pandemic in full force, and flu season starting now, it's more important than ever that all MoCo residents aged six months and older get a flu shot. Since both the flu and Covid-19 are respiratory illnesses that share common properties, we must equip ourselves and our community by getting a flu shot.

The flu vaccine takes about two weeks to be effective, so it is crucial to get the vaccine as early as possible. Since the flu season typically lasts from October through April each year, it is not too late to get vaccinated even once flu season is underway.

Visit our resources below to find out why you should get a Flu Shot, where you can get a FREE flu shot, and additional tips on how to prevent the flu:

The Connect Montgomery Alliance (CoMo) is dedicated to empowering Montgomery County residents with resources and information to stay safe and informed.

Tips for Avoiding the Flu (from County Flu Info)

Prevent the Spread of Germs: Cover Coughs and Sneezes

• Cough and sneeze into your sleeve. This prevents germs from getting on your hands, which then leave germs on the things you touch (door knobs, hand rails, light switches, etc). Flu can survive on these surfaces for several hours!
• If you use a tissue to cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze, throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.

Stay home when you are sick

• If you or your child has a fever, stay home! You or your child should be fever-free for at least 24 hours before returning to work or school. A fever should be gone without the use of fever-reducing medicine (like Tylenol).
• If you are sick, do not visit loved ones in the hospital, nursing home, or any facility housing the elderly and/or anyone in frail health. People with certain health conditions are more likely to have complications that result in hospitalization or even death. Limiting contact with others as much as possible while you are sick keeps you from infecting them.

Wash your hands

• Wash your hands often with soap and water.
• If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.

Stay informed

• Visit www.flu.gov for more information.
• Try Vaccine Finder to find nearest vaccination locations.
• Weekly influenza activity estimates are available at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Influenza Summary Update Map.
• Help track flu in our area: visit Flu Near You for more information.