Due to the Coronavirus Pandemic (COVID-19), the offices of the Department of Health & Social Services are closed to the public until further notice. If you need immediate assistance, please call and leave a message at (203) 576-7680.

Flu Prevention

• If sick, limit contact with others to avoid spreading germs.
• Cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze.
• Trash tissues.
• Sanitize your hands.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces, especially when someone is ill.
• Avoid contact with sick people.
  

People are more contagious before symptoms appear. The time from when a person is exposed to the flu virus and infected to the time symptoms develop averages about 2 days. At the first sign of the flu, go to your doctor. There are antiviral drugs (such as Tamiflu) that the doctor may prescribe to shorten the duration of the flu, if treated early.

Symptoms:

Symptoms of the flu usually starts suddenly, they include:
•Fever • Aching muscles • Sore throat • Headaches • Feeling tired • Runny and stuffy nose • Cough

People at High Risk:

Anyone can get the flu, even healthy people. However, those most at risk for complication from the flu include people who are 65 years of age and older, young children, pregnant women, people with chronic illness.

High Risk Conditions:
• Diabetes • Asthma • HIV • Pregnancy • Age • Health Care Workers
For more information, please visit: https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/index.html

Flu Vaccines 

• Any adult resident without insurance can get a flu shot at the Communicable Disease Clinic, 752 East Main Street on Tuesdays and Fridays between 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. for $20.
• Residents with insurance can present their insurance card to any CVS or Walgreens pharmacy and get the flu vaccine for free.
• If you are without insurance and are experiencing financial hardships, please call the Bridgeport Communicable Disease Clinic at 203-576-7468 to see if you are eligible for a FREE vaccine