Avoid the Discomfort the Flu Brings: Get Your Flu Shot Today
Flu season is approaching, and now is the time to protect yourself. It is simple, easy and inexpensive to get your flu shot, so get yours today.
Influenza, better known as the “flu,” is a highly contagious respiratory viral infection, which means the virus affects the nose, throat, and lungs. The onset of the infection is very sudden and marked by a number of harsh, unmistakable symptoms. The illness spreads when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
Flu symptoms include high fever, chills, a harsh, dry cough, headache, runny nose, sore throat, fatigue, and joint and muscle pain. The more cold-like symptoms such as runny nose, dry cough, and sore throat may not be evident in the first few days of the illness, but will become more evident as the other symptoms become less severe and may last a week or longer. Fatigue and weakness can persist several days or even weeks after the other flu symptoms diminish.
Each year, about 10-20% of the population contract influenza, and approximately 114,00 Americans are hospitalized with the infection. Each year, a number of deaths are attributed to complications from the flu virus. The flu can affect anyone, yet some people are at greater risk than others. Those over the age of 65, young children, and adults with medical conditions are more susceptible to contract the infection and more likely to have complications from the flu.
Much of the death and illness caused by the flu easily may be prevented by receiving a flu vaccination. A flu shot must be taken every year to be effective. Health care workers, care givers and others who regularly come in contact with those in the risk categories should receive an annual flu shot to prevent the transmission of flu virus to those likely to have complications if infected. Also, women who are in their third trimester of pregnancy during the flu season should receive a flu vaccine.
Flu vaccinations are very safe, highly effective, and rarely have side effects. In addition, flu shots are covered by most insurance plans. The months of November and December are the prime months to receive a flu shot. The vaccination can prevent 50-60% of hospitalizations and 80% of deaths from flu related complications in the elderly.
Medical West and its health centers are now offering quick, easy, and affordable flu shots. Dr. Sally Ebaugh at the Bessemer Family Health Center currently is administering flu shots to the public. For more information, or to make an appointment, call 996-WEST.