Flu Shots

It's that time again!  Flu season will soon be here. The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza virus.  It can cause mild to severe illness and at times can lead to death.  The best way to prevent the flu is by getting a flu vaccination each year.

Westside Women's Care will be offering flu shots stating around Oct 22nd.  You can also get vaccinated from your Primary Care Physician or your work.  The cost for the flu shots at Westside Women's Care will be $ 25.00.  The following is the list of who should be vaccinated.  This list is from the Center for Disease Control .

WHO SHOULD BE VACCINATED

  • Pregnant women

  • Children aged 6 months until their 5th birthday

  • People 50 years and older
  • People of any age with certain chronic medical conditions

  • People who are in nursing homes and other long term care facilities

  • Household contacts of any of the above groups
  • Household contacts and out of home care providers of children less than 6 months of age
        (these children are too young to be vaccinated)
  • Health care workers


    How Do I Know if I Have the FLU?

    The following are symptoms of the flu:

  • fever (usually high)
  • headache
  • extreme fatigue
  • dry cough
  • sore throat
  • runny or stuffy nose
  • muscle aches
  • stomach symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea (more common with children)

    The best way to prevent getting the flu is to get vaccinated.  The flu is spread from one person to another by coughing or sneezing.  You could get the virus from touching something with the flu virus and then touching your nose or mouth.  The person spreading the flu might not even know they have the flu as a person can be contagious and pass on the flu 1 day before they
    have symptoms and up to 5 days after they become sick.


    FLU SHOT verses NASAL-SPRAY FLU VACCINE

    The flu shot is an "inactive virus" meaning the virus is killed and it is given as a shot.

    The nasal-spray flu vaccine is a vaccine made with a live, weakened flu virus that will not cause the flu. THIS CAN NOT BE GIVEN IN PREGNANCY.

    WHAT TO DO IF I GET THE FLU

    Consult your heath care provider. it can be difficult to determine the flu from other infections. There are tests to determine if this is the flu, but the tests are only able to diagnose flu in the first 2-3 days. As always rest, drink plenty of fluids and avoid using alcohol and tobacco. You can take medications such as Tylenol.  It is important not to give children and teens aspirin if they have flu symptoms.

    MEDICATIONS FOR THE FLU

    Your healthcare provider may prescribe an antiviral medication if you get the flu. To work
    best they need to be started within 2 days of you getting ill. The CDC has a website on these
    antiviral medications ( http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/antiviral/index.htm )


    GOOD HEALTH HABITS

    The CDC recommends the following health habits to protect yourself and others from the flu
    and other respiratory illnesses:

  • Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze  - throw away the
        tissue away after you use it.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze
  • If you get the flu, stay home from work, school, and social gatherings
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose , or mouth as germs often spread this way

    This information was taken form the Centers for Disease Website.  For more
    information you can go to  www.cdc.gov


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