Flu season is here, and there are many compelling reasons to get a flu vaccine. Urgent Care Walk-In Clinics offer convenient, accessible locations to get this year’s recommended vaccine to help keep you and your family healthy and flu free. We prepare in advance of hurricanes, stocking up on food, securing the house from rising flood waters in low lying areas and prepping for potential evacuation. But are we as prepared for flu season? The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends flu vaccines for children 6 months of age and older. Individuals over 65 years of age and those with chronic conditions are at increased risk of complications from flu and hospitalization. No matter what age, getting an annual flu vaccination is the best form of protection against catching the flu. Sarasota 6272 Lake Osprey Drive Sarasota, FL 34240 www.sarasotaurgentcare.com 941.907.2800 Lakewood Ranch 9908 State Road 64 East Bradenton, FL 34212 www.lwruc.com 941.747.8600 Bradenton 4647 Manatee Avenue West Bradenton, FL 34209 www.bradentonurgentcare.com 941.745.5999 Tis the Flu Season, So Why Not Kick It Off With a Vaccine? Member of Manatee Physician Alliance 173304 Flu facts CDC estimates that from 2010-2011 to 2013-2014, U.S. influenza-associated deaths rose from 12,000 to 56,000 (Source: cdc.gov/flu). In 2017, a study in Pediatrics1 was the first of its kind to show that influenza vaccination significantly reduced a child’s risk of dying from flu. Flu vaccines have been updated for the 2017-2018 season to better match circulating viruses—the influenza A(H1N1) component was updated. Strains vary; however, the flu typically infects the respiratory tract (nose, throat and lungs). Cough and sore throat result from the body’s immune system reaction, which can also trigger fever and cause muscle or body aches. The flu virus is commonly spread in respiratory droplets (e.g., a cough/sneeze from someone sitting next to you) or contact with infectious secretions or contaminated surfaces. Most people recover from the flu in a few days to less than two weeks, but post-flu secondary ear and sinus infections can occur. Very young, elderly and immune compromised individuals are at increased risk of developing pneumonia. Severe complications from the flu can result in hospitalization and death. Individuals who have not been vaccinated should avoid contact with infants. The sooner the better CDC recommends getting the flu vaccine by the end of October for optimal protection. The body takes two weeks to produce the antibodies that fight flu. However, people can get vaccinated as late as January. Children six months to eight years of age should be vaccinated early in the season because they often require two doses that need to be administered at least two weeks apart. Overall, the sooner in the flu season you get the vaccine, the more likely you will be protected for the season. Where can I get vaccinated? CDC lists urgent care centers among the recommended locations to obtain a current vaccine for the 2017-2018 season. Urgent Care Walk-In Clinics have three convenient locations in Bradenton, Lakewood Ranch and Sarasota and are open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Flu vaccines are only $25 and no appointment is necessary. We’re ready for the flu season. Are you? 1Pediatrics. 2017 May;139(5)
30135PC
To see the actual publication please follow the link above