It's Time for Flu Shots!

Flu season is upon us. Have you had your vaccine? We offer flu shots 7 days a week, and no appointment is necessary!

Flu season is upon us. Have you had your vaccine? The CDC recommends that everyone over the age of 6 months receive the flu vaccine, and this includes pregnant women. The flu can be deadly, especially in regards to the very young, the elderly, and people with multiple medical conditions. Last year, the flu season was one of the worst in history, with a death toll of over 80,000. Many people do not get a flu shot because they say, “It causes the flu,” or, “I always get sick.” These are myths. According to the CDC, the flu vaccine is an inactivated virus and CANNOT cause the flu. If you become sick after receiving the vaccine, you already had an illness brewing.

What are symptoms of the flu? Most people present with fever, cough, chills, and body aches, that begin suddenly. Many experts believe that flu viruses spread mainly by tiny droplets made when people with flu cough, sneeze or talk. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby. Less often, a person might get flu by touching a surface or object that has flu virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose or possibly their eyes. The CDC reports that people are contagious for normally about 4 days; however, this is not always the case.

How can you prevent the flu? The number one way is to get your flu shot! Other ways include avoiding sick people and washing your hands! Keeping hand sanitizer with you when you are in public and using it frequently is another helpful way. If you develop symptoms, the CDC recommends you seek care within the first 24 hours of symptom onset. The flu is treated with antiviral medication called Tamiflu. The flu is a virus, so this treatment does not “cure the flu.” It shortens the time frame of symptoms by 1-2 days and can also help prevent pneumonia.

We offer flu shots 7 days a week, and no appointment is necessary! Most insurances cover this, and if you don’t have insurance, they are only 40 dollars. Do not wait. Get your flu shot today! It isn’t worth the risk of you getting sick, or exposing your elderly family member and making them very ill. If you have any questions, give us a call at 870-234-7435.