Flu season is around the corner! It’s time to get a flu shot! Do not be afraid of them, as in spite of what you may hear from others, they DO NOT cause the flu. Occasionally someone may not feel quite normal for a day or two afterward, but that is nothing compared to the flu. Every year hospital ERs and doctors’ offices are inundated with people who have neglected to get flu shots.

Nearly all people should get a flu shot, but especially the very young and the elderly. The Center for Disease Control recommends them for children 6 months and older, and recent studies have shown a large decrease in flu in vaccinated children. They are especially important if your child in Day Care or other child care facility where viruses spread rapidly.

Also, elderly folks over 60 years of age, and especially those with heart disease, chronic lung disease, and diabetes, are at risk for serious or even fatal illness from the flu.

Since we cannot know when the flu epidemic will hit, you should get a flu shot now and plan to get a second one in January.

Thanks,

Dr. Dale

CMO

Delta Health Alliance