Flu
More than 80,000 flu-related deaths occurred in the United States last winter. People older than 65 accounted for nine out of 10, but the flu also killed 180 young children and teenagers, according to the C.D.C.
Despite the risks, according to C.D.C. estimates, only 37.1 percent of adults 18 or older were vaccinated last flu season, down 6.2 percentage points from the year before, and 58 percent of children 6 months to 17 got at least one shot.
There are two proactive ways we encourage our patients to be proactive about avoiding or minimizing the effects of the flu.
- Get your flu shot.Most grocery stores and pharmacies offer flu shots at any time they are open. Depending on your health insurance plan, you may pay nothing for your flu shot. All Medicare beneficiaries pay zero for their annual flu vaccination.
- If you start to experience flu symptoms, don’t wait it out, hoping it will get better.There is medical treatment available for the flu if treatment is started within the first 24-48 hours after the onset of symptoms.
If someone with flu symptoms waits longer than a day or two to be treated, the medication will likely not work and they can remain sick for up to ten days.
If you or a family member starts to experience flu symptoms, don’t suffer in silence. Please call and come to our office to be seen within the first 24-48 hours.
