According to health officials, influenza is said to be widespread across the United States, causing a sharp increase in hospitalization and visits to the doctors office within in the past week.
Health officials at the Center for Disease Control is urging everyone over the age of 6 months to get vaccinated against the flu. The vaccine can also lessen the severity of illness in people who get sick. Vaccinations of high-risk populations are especially important, including young children, pregnant woman, people over the age of 65, and people with chronic health conditions.
The CDC recommends the following steps to lessen the spread of germs:
Avoid close contact with sick people.
While sick, limit contact with others. If you contract flu-like symptoms, stay home for 24 hours after your fever is gone (without fever-reducing medicine)
Wash your hands often with soap and water.
Clean and disinfect surfaces.
Flu symptoms come on abrubtly, unlike cold symptoms that can be gradual. Symptoms can cause mild to severe illness, or even death. Symptoms can include:
Fever
Cough
Sore Throat
Body or muscle aches
Headaches
Fatigue
Vomiting or diarrhea
I strongly encourage patients to get their flu vaccinations each year. Even if you missed early vacinnations for the flu, it is not too late to receive a vaccine to protect you for the remainder of the season which extends into spring and early summer, states Steven Lenga, MD, Internal Medicine physician at Medical Center Clinic.
Internal Medicine and Priority Care at Medical Center Clinic are currently offering flu vaccinations. Walk-ins are welcome in Internal Medicine Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 8am - 11am or 1pm - 4pm and Wednesday from 8am - 11am. If you have any questions, please call Internal Medicine at 850.474.8385.
Sources: cdc.gov