UFBPC seeking volunteers
The United Food Bank of Plant City has an urgent need for consistent volunteers.
The UFB is looking for anyone who can help with sorting and stocking items, distribution and assisting in the office, located at 702 E. Alsobrook St. #H.
Anyone interested or seeking more information is asked to email Gayle Tindle at gtindle@ufbpc.org.
Surgeon general urges flu vaccinations
Flu season is entering its peak and the Florida Department of Health encourages all residents to take preventative measures now.
The department recommends anyone older than six months who is unvaccinated to get the flu shot as soon as possible. While getting the shot doesn’t completely guarantee avoiding the flu altogether, it can reduce the risk of someone adding to the 2019-20 total of 6.4 million reported cases of the flu — which includes 55,000 hospitalizations and 2,900 related deaths, per the FDH.
“Influenza is a contagious virus that can spread rapidly in our communities and cause severe illness resulting in hospitalization or death,” Florida Surgeon General Dr. Scott Rivkees said. “Getting vaccinated is the best way to avoid the flu: it reduces the spread of the virus and can also help make illnesses less severe for those who do still get sick.”
The department said the vaccine is recommended for everyone six months and older, including pregnant women. Individuals that are at most risk for getting severely ill from the flu are young children, pregnant women, people with certain chronic health conditions like asthma, diabetes, heart disease or lung disease, and people aged 65 years and older. Your body will develop protection against the flu up to two weeks after the shot. To further help prevent the spread of the flu, all are encourages to wash or sanitize their hands regularly, cover the mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing, disinfect surfaces at home, work and school and, if you do get sick, stay home as much as possible.
For more information about the flu and where you can get your flu shot, visit flufreeflorida.org or call the Hillsborough County department at 813-307-8000.