The Flu season is just around the corner. Time to get vaccinated. Influenza (the Flu) is a serious illness affecting millions of Americans, of which about 250,000 are hospitalized each year. Of those, about 36,000 people, mostly over age 65, die each year from complications. The Flu usually last 3-7 days, although some symptoms can linger for up to 2 weeks. Flu symptoms typically include some or all of the following:

• Fever & shaking chills (often sudden onset)
• Body aches ( often described as feeling like being hit by a car)
• Cough
• Sore throat & nasal congestion
• Feeling tired (fatigue)
• Headache
• Occasionally adults get diarrhea and vomiting, although this is more common in children.

The Flu is extremely contagious, typically spread person-to-person by coughing, sneezing or simply by just talking with an infected person. Once you get the Flu you are contagious for up to a week, so it is important that you rest up and convalesce at home.  The best time to get vaccinated is NOW, before the peak season hits and before you come down with symptoms.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends everyone 6 months and above get vaccinated. From personal experience I can attest this be a wise recommendation: When I was a physician-in-training 20 some years ago years ago I contacted the flu and it was truly one of the worst feelings of my life: I was laid up in bed for 4 days and and had that oft felt sensation of being hit by a car. For the next 4 days I felt fatigued. Ever since then–without exception– I always obtain a yearly flu vaccination.

You can obtain a flu vaccination from most doctors offices and clinics, including any AFC Urgent Care. Do it today!