DSHS Commissioner urges people to take precautions to avoid getting the flu

News Release
January 22, 2018

With influenza continuing to be widespread throughout Texas, the Texas Department of State Health Services reminds people to take precautions to avoid getting and spreading the disease. The state health commissioner, Dr. John Hellerstedt, filmed two short messages encouraging everyone 6 months old and older to get vaccinated and stressing the importance of good hygiene.

Vaccination can provide protection against flu as long as flu viruses are spreading and causing illness. Vaccination is especially important for adults over 65, children under 5, pregnant women and people with chronic health conditions because they are at greater risk of developing serious complications from the flu. People can find out where flu shots are available at texasflu.org or by contacting their health care provider.

People can help stop the spread of flu by getting vaccinated, washing hands frequently, covering coughs and sneezes and staying home when they’re sick.

View the messages from Dr. Hellerstedt at: youtu.be/wkpdm2C2-BE and youtu.be/YZHu9CXKJ8s

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(News Media Contact: Lara Anton, DSHS Press Officer, 512-776-7753)