Dr. Heidar Heshmati: ‘Get the Flu Shot’
By Space Coast Daily // January 9, 2014
cases are in critical or serious condition
ABOVE VIDEO: A Lifetime of Outstanding Work – Under Dr. Heidar Heshmati’s more than three decades of tenure, the Health Department has received numerous accolades at both the state and national levels for the quality and breadth of services it provides.
‘At the present time, we are seeing increasing activities for flu, especially H1N1 – the same one that caused an outbreak in 2009’
BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – Dr. Heidar Heshmati, Director of the Florida Department of Health Brevard County, has reported that in addition to the female in her mid-30s that died last Sunday at Health First Holmes Regional Hospital, Brevard County currently has a total of three flu cases on life support in area hospitals.
“At the present time, we are seeing increasing activities for flu, especially H1N1 – the same one that caused an outbreak in 2009,” said Dr. Heshmati.
According to Dr. Heshmati, the three flu victims on life support include two men and a woman, ranging in age from their 30’s to their 60’s. Both men are being treated at Parrish Medical Center, and the woman is in Holmes Regional Medical Center.
“Fortunately, we do not have a shortage of flu vaccine, and the vaccine covers the circulating flu virus. The ultimate recommendation for prevention of flu is to get the flu shot.”
Symptoms of the flu include headache, fever, severe cough, runny nose or body aches. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, see your primary care provider immediately for guidance on treatment.
If you need further information, contact the Florida Department of Health in Brevard County, Epidemiology section at 321-454-7101.
RELATED STORY: CDC: Flu Vaccine Pays Big Dividends
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ORIGINAL POST: JANUARY 2, 2014
DOH – Brevard Reports Increase In Influenza Activity
BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – The Florida Department of Health in Brevard County has received reports of Influenza cases from local hospitals, and has been receiving more and more reports of cases from the private physicians and laboratories.
Some of the reported cases are in critical or serious condition.
Influenza kills on an average approximately 36,000 people in the United States each year with 200,000– 300,000 hospitalizations, annually.
It is important for those who have not been vaccinated for Influenza to do as soon as possible. Most of our reported Influenzas are 2009 H1N1 influenza, which is covered in the vaccine.
HEALTH DEPARTMENT RECOMMENDS THOSE SIX MONTHS AND OLDER GET A FLU SHOT
It is not too late to get your flu shot. The Florida Department of Health in Brevard County recommends that all individuals six months of age and older receive the flu vaccination each year. It is especially important for pregnant women to be vaccinated due to the increased risk of complications associated with contracting the flu while pregnant.
The flu vaccination is safe and will protect the mother, the unborn child, and will also help protect babies during the first months after birth.
Additional flu prevention steps include washing your hands often, keeping your hands away from your face and covering your mouth and nose with a tissue when sneezing and coughing.
Symptoms of the flu include headache, fever, severe cough, runny nose or body aches. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, see your primary care provider immediately for guidance on treatment.
If you need further information, contact the Florida Department of Health in Brevard County, Epidemiology section at 321-454-7101.
