7+ days of headache, fever, sore throat, cough & body aches, or a flu shot – you decide
Seasonal influenza is a contagious respiratory illness that is easily spread among adults and children alike. Symptoms can appear as early as October, with the most cases reported January & February. Those at highest risk are people over age 65, children, and anyone with chronic illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes, asthma, arthritis, cancer and HIV.
Symptoms of the flu can last from a few days to several weeks and include:
- A cough and/or a sore throat
- Fatigue
- Body aches
- Fever
- Chills
- Headache
- Nausea, vomiting
Vaccination is the best way to protect yourself and your family. Everyone over the age of six months should get a Flu Shot as soon as they are available. Persons receiving a flu shot are much less likely to develop symptoms.
Traditional flu shots are recommended for anyone 6 months and older. Folks over age 65 should receive a “high dose” vaccine and a nasal spray dose is available and is safe and effective for healthy people ( with the exception of pregnant women) between the ages of 2-49. The vaccine is not made from a live virus, and will not give you the flu.
Anyone with the following conditions should consult with their health care provider before getting a flu shot:
- Allergy to eggs
- Previous reaction to the flu vaccine
- An illness with a fever
- History of Guillain-Barre Syndrome
Typically it will take about two weeks for the full protective benefits of the vaccine to become effective. In the meantime, you are still at risk.
If you do develop symptoms of the flu contact us. Our office is open Monday-Friday from 8am-7pm and Saturday & Sunday from 10am-4pm.