Vaccination is best weapon in warding off the flu

Although each flu season is different, approximately 10 to 20 percent of the population will get the flu each year. Some of the complications caused by flu include bacterial pneumonia, dehydration and worsening of chronic medical conditions such as congestive heart failure, asthma or diabetes. Children may get sinus problems and ear infection.

 When to see a doctor

 Many people often ask when it is necessary to see a doctor. The following are  some general guidelines for deciding when to call the doctor:

• Persistent fever – Although a fever accompanies the flu, it should decline by the  third day. If a fever remains high, it could be a sign that you may have a more  serious infection.
• Difficulty breathing/chest pain - The flu should not cause shortness of breath or  chest pain. Therefore, these could be symptoms of a more serious problem such as  heart disease, asthma, pneumonia, or others.
• Vomiting - An inability to keep fluids down could result in dehydration. If you’re  unable to stay hydrated you may need to be hospitalized to receive fluids  intravenously.
• Persistent coughing – If you have a cough for more 2 to 3 weeks, your doctor  may want to examine you to ensure that you don’t have a secondary infection that  would require antibiotics.
• Persistent headaches and congestion – A stuffy nose is typical with the flu, but  if symptoms persist it may be a sign of a sinus infection where antibiotics are  necessary for treatment.

The flu vaccine is now available at all St.Vincent Physician Network locations for $25, and the Flu Mist is also available at select Physician Network locations for $40. 

Individuals are encouraged to get their vaccine in November for the best protection against the virus. Appointments for the vaccine are encouraged. Please call your physician’s office to schedule a time or call 356.CARE for a referral.  Same-day appointments are available at select St.Vincent Physician Network locations.

About FluMist

While the traditional flu vaccine is recommended for young children and high-risk adults and seniors, the FluMist vaccine is only prescribed for healthy children, adolescents and adults, 5 to 49 years of age. The vaccine, as the name suggests, is a mist that is administered through the nose, where most people catch the flu virus.

FluMist is not recommended for anyone with an allergy to any part of the vaccine, including eggs; children and adolescents on aspirin therapy; people who have a history of Guillain-Barré syndrome, and people with known or suspected immune system problems. Pregnant women and people with certain breathing conditions such as asthma or reactive airways disease should also not use the vaccine.