Flu Shot Vaccine Available - It's Time For Annual Flu Shot

Flu season has arrived. The word influenza, or flu for short, is often used for symptoms such as vomiting, nausea or diarrhea. These are not typical flu symptoms. The flu is actually a contagious respiratory illness of the nose, throat and lungs caused by viruses. Unlike other viral respiratory infections, like the common cold, the flu is a serious illness that can cause severe, even life-threatening complications. Each year about 200,000 people in the United States are hospitalized because of the flu with approximately 36,000 flu-related deaths. Children account for about 20,000 of these hospitalizations. The flu, like any illness, is easier to prevent than treat.

The flu should not be confused with the common cold. At times, it can be difficult to tell the difference as they both have similar symptoms. Unlike a cold however, the flu usually starts suddenly with more intense symptoms.

High fever
Headache
Extreme fatigue
Dry cough
Sore throat
Runny or stuffy nose

Muscle soreness

The influenza virus is very contagious. It is easily spread by coughing, sneezing and touching infected objects. During flu season, a little common sense will help prevent illness; avoid people who are sick, wash hands often during the day, cover mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, stay home when sick, and most important, get a flu shot.
 
New flu vaccines are manufactured every year because flu viruses change from year to year. Last year's vaccine may not protect against this year's newer viruses. Vaccine protection only lasts about a year so a flu shot is needed every year. Anyone wanting protection can get a vaccination, but the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends vaccines for everyone that is considered high risk. High risk individuals are more likely to develop severe complications if infected. This includes:

Children aged 6 months up to their 19th birthday
Pregnant women
People aged 50 and up
People with certain chronic medical conditions
People living in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities
People who live with or care for those at high risk

 
If prevention fails and flu strikes, stay home, drink lots of fluids, and talk to a doctor about taking an anti-viral drug. While they are not a substitute for vaccines, they can help keep the virus from reproducing in the body.  This can lessen symptoms and help you feel better faster. Keep in mind, anti-viral drugs work best when started within the first day or two of symptoms.
 
The flu is a serious illness and can cause severe complications, even death. Flu shots are available now. Do not wait to get one. It can take up to two weeks after getting the shot to be fully protected. Prevention is always the best medicine.

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