What some people experience and mistake for the flu are merely side effects with flu-like symptoms.
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Dr. Matthew Poling with Scott and White Healthcare in College Station says it’s impossible to predict what this flu season will be like.
Flu season is just around the corner.
The Director of the CDC, Dr. Thomas Frieden, points out that previous year had “the highest hospitalization rate among seniors” because we still have not achieved the coverage rates that are ideal for that risk group.
It’s that time of the year.
In January, at the peak of last winter’s outbreak, 8,000 Pennsylvanians a week tested positive for the flu.
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention said the shot is normally about 60 percent effective, meaning it’ll cut your chances of getting sick in a little more than half. Last year’s strains were not exactly what they expected. If diagnosed early enough, the doctor may prescribe anti-viral medications that can shorten recovery time from the flu.
Vaccines are developed based on flu viruses circulating in the southern hemisphere earlier in the year, which make their way north, causing our flu season. “For some of those high-risk populations, it can have a greater impact”. By doing this, you help prevent others from catching your illness at work, school, daycare and the general public. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommends Tdap for all adults age 65 and older.
What should I do to protect my loved ones from flu?
Print the consent form found at website swuhealth.org. Locally, 22News received word Thursday that the Northampton Senior Center’s flu-shot clinic has been set for Friday, October 9. “Influenza is treatable but the treatment is only marginally effective”.
The university Medical Clinic and nursing students have administered 266 flu vaccines in the past two days in preparation for the upcoming flu season. The increase in the number of sites offering flu shots certainly is a positive development for the overall health of the community. “The process is quick, easy, inexpensive, or even free if covered by your insurance”.
The CDC recommends most people over 6 months of age be vaccinated by October. Because of this, safeguarding them from flu is especially important. Throw the tissue away after use and wash your hands.
It takes about two weeks after vaccination for full immunity to develop.
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Unfortunately, some people can become infected with a flu virus the flu vaccine is created to protect against, despite getting vaccinated.
