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Flu Season is Coming Up SoonOctober 15, 2003 Coppell Associates in Family Medicine Now Offering Flu ShotsAlthough the weather is still warm, flu season is approaching quickly. Now is the time to start planning to get your flu shot in order to prevent this potentially devastating disease. The flu is responsible for 20,000 deaths a year, the majority of which occur in the elderly or in people with lung disease. There is a higher attack rate of the flu in children, and children under the age of two are at high risk for complications. Outbreaks of the flu are common during the winter months and generally last five to six weeks. Symptoms of the flu include fever, headache, body aches, nausea, decreased appetite, cough, and congestion. Sever cases cases may also include weakness and confusion. The flu may also cause severe asthma attacks in people with asthma and may cause pneumonia and ear infections as well. There is no cure for the flu.Treatment consists of getting plenty of fluids and rest, and controlling symptoms with medications such as Tylenol and Advil. Aspirin must never be used in children with the flu because it can cause severe brain and liver damage. There are some antiviral medications that may shorten the duration of the flu by approximately a day, but these medications must be started within 24-48 hours of the onset of symptoms to be effective. The flu can last up to 10-14 days, and as such is the cause of many missed days of work and school each year. An annual flu shot is the best way to avoid getting the flu. Flu shots are most effective when given in October, but they may be given any time from mid-September through January. All children above the age of six months are encouraged to get a flu shot, but it is particularly important for children with asthma, diabetes, sickle cell anemia, HIV infection, heart disease, or household contacts with anybody with these conditions. Children who are under the age of 8 years who are getting the flu shot for the first time require two doses, administered four weeks apart. All adults over the age of 50 should also get a flu shot as should any adult who has heart or lung disease, diabetes, asthma, kidney disease, a suppressed immune system, or household contacts with anybody with any of these conditions. Pregnant women should also get a flu shot. Health care workers and residents of nursing homes or long-term facilities run a high risk of getting the flu and should be immunized as well. Anybody who wishes to avoid the flu should get a shot. People who are allergic to eggs should not get a flu shot. Insurance plans may cover the cost of getting a flu shot, and Coppell Associates in Family Medicine will be offering flu shots for $15. We also have the new thimerosol-free flu shot which is more expensive. For More Information Contact: |
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Coppell Associates in Family Medicine, P.A. (CAFM) Send mail to webmaster@coppellfamilydocs.com with questions or comments about
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