The flu has officially hit North Texas! The flu’s early arrival has health officials reminding people that it is not too early to get a flu shots. The flu vaccine is now available at CityDoc urgent care clinics.
The American Academy of Pediatrics is recommending that everyone older than 6 months get a flu shot for the 2018-19 season as soon as it is available, preferably before the end of October. Influenza can be fatal: 180 children died from the flu during the 2017-18 season, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and about 80 percent of those children were unvaccinated. While children and the elderly are most vulnerable, even healthy people can have problems with the flu. Flu seasons can range in severity, depending on the circulating strains of the virus. Here are some helpful tips for preventing the spread of the flu:- Wash your hands before eating or touching your face.
- Do not share food or drinks with others.
- Avoid close contact with sick people.
- Get a flu shot! There’s still time to protect yourself with the flu vaccine.
- Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated.
- If you feel ill, see a healthcare provider as soon as possible. Schedule an appointment now!
- If you’ve been diagnosed with the flu, you may be feeling miserable. A bout of the flu can last one to two weeks.
- Take flu antiviral drugs if your doctor prescribes them.
- If you can, stay home and recover.
- Limit contact with others as much as possible.
- If you must leave home, wear a facemask if you have one.
- Stay hydrated, even though you don’t feel like eating.
- Take things slowly and try not to rush back to exercise and other physical activities.