It’s never too early to get a flu shot. Flu season can start as early as October but often lasts all through May. With the flu virus typically moving from the East Coast to the West Coast each year, December can be a peak month for flu season in Nevada.
Prevention is at the core of what HealthCare Partners Nevada practices and promotes. Don’t wait until you’re sick to seek out medical care. Flu shots are important for everyone and should be part of everyone’s routine for preventive health.
The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by various forms of the influenza virus. The wide variety of virus strains make the flu extremely unpredictable. According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, approximately 5 to 20 percent of U.S. residents contract the flu each year. Obtaining vaccinations to prevent potential health issues is one of the most important things that we can do to stay healthy.
Although everyone is at risk for the flu, people older than 65, pregnant women, young children and those suffering from chronic conditions such as diabetes and heart disease are at an increased risk for these complications. For patients with chronic conditions, a vaccination can help reduce complications brought on by the flu. While most people can recover from the illness within a few days, some may experience complications that can be life-threatening, such as pneumonia, bronchitis and sinus and ear infections.
It is estimated that 90 percent of seasonal flu-related deaths in the U.S. occur among people 65 and older, as a result of seniors’ weakened immune systems, according to the Centers for Disease Control.
Children can receive a flu shot as young as 6 months old, but they may need more than one dose the first time they receive the vaccination. To safeguard your child’s health, HealthCare Partners Nevada recommends all community members 6 months and older receive a flu shot. The vaccine can take at least two weeks to take effect, which is why being proactive can be your family’s best defense.
Children often have a high risk of getting the flu. It is estimated that more than 20,000 children younger than 5 years old are hospitalized due to flu each year in the U.S. The CDC says that severe influenza complications are most common in children younger than 2 years old.
Additional preventative actions such as avoiding contact with those who may be sick is important in halting the spread of the flu. During flu season, it is important to wash your hands regularly, stay hydrated and rested, and use caution when coming into contact with others.
There are several ways to determine whether a person is suffering from the flu rather than a cold. The flu tends to be accompanied by a high fever, while a cold typically does not. Many patients with the flu also experience body aches and exhaustion. Unlike a common cold, flu symptoms can come on very suddenly. Those who are infected experience a sudden onset of fever, chills, cough, sore throat, runny nose, fatigue, headaches, muscle and body aches.
Most people with the flu have mild illness and do not need medical care or antiviral drugs. The CDC recommends that people with the flu should stay home for at least 24 hours after a fever is gone, except to get medical care or other necessities. Individuals with the flu should also wash their hands often to keep from spreading flu to others.
Getting vaccinated and practicing simple preventative measures can go a long way in curbing the spread of the flu. Make an appointment with your health care provider today to get the flu shot.
For more information on HealthCare Partners Nevada, visit www.hcpnv.com.