Three people have died of influenza infections in Montgomery County in the past two weeks, and county health officials are urging the public to get vaccinated.A 2-year-old Lower Merion boy died Dec. 21, followed by a 32-year-old Upper Merion woman on Christmas Day and a 24-year-old Norristown man on Monday, according to county health department spokeswoman Harriet Morton.Influenza is a contagious respiratory illness caused by viruses, and the flu vaccine remains the most effective way to prevent infection, according to health officials. Individuals with underlying, chronic health conditions are at an increased risk of complications from flu.“The child and the woman had no underlying conditions as far as we know,” Morton said.The vaccine is free to county residents and is available at the health department clinics in Norristown, Pottstown and Willow Grove (See montcopa.org/health and click on the “2011 Flu Clinics” link). The vaccine is recommended for anyone age 6 months or older.“It’s very important to get a flu shot to prevent becoming ill or dying,” Morton said.Symptoms of flu include fever, cough, and often extreme fatigue. Also common are a sore throat, headache, muscle aches, and a runny or stuffy nose.While shots are the best protection, sick people should also cover their mouth when coughing and sneezing so as not to infect others. Those suffering from the flu or are caring for children with the infection should stay at home. as well, frequent hand washing prevents the spread of the disease.In 2009 and 2010, a new and very different flu virus, 2009 H1N1 (so-called “swine flu”), spread worldwide causing the first flu pandemic in more than 40 years, according to the health department.during the current flu season, which doesn’t end until May, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention expect the 2009 H1N1 virus to cause illness again along with other influenza viruses. The 2010-2011 flu vaccine will protect against 2009 H1N1 and two other influenza viruses (an H3N2 virus and an influenza B virus).About two weeks after vaccination, antibodies develop that protect against flu virus infection. Flu vaccines will not protect against flu-like illnesses caused by non-influenza viruses.The schedule for the county health department’s walk-in flu clinics is as follows:Norristown Health Center, 1430 DeKalb St., in Norristown (610-278-5145). The clinic is open Tuesdays and Wednesdays 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.; Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.Pottstown Health Center, 364 King Street, Pottstown (610-970-5040). The center is open on Mondays from 9 a.m. till 3 p.m.Willow Grove Eastern Courthouse Annex, 102 York Road, Suite 401, in Willow Grove (215-784-5415) is open Fridays from 9 a.m. till 12 p.m.

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