Fall is here, and along with the cooler air, pumpkins, and apple cider comes a less pleasant seasonal visitor: the flu. The flu impacts millions of people every year, and those who are over age 65 or those with chronic health conditions are at an even greater risk of complications from flu infection. The CDC recommends that everyone 6 months and older receive a flu vaccine to reduce the risk of infection, hospitalization and even death.
When asked why it is important to receive a flu vaccine, Nicole Mangett, family nurse practitioner at Hamilton Community Health Network said, “Most people who get the flu recover in a few weeks, but some people can have life-threatening complications when they get sick. Serious illness such as pneumonia, inflammation of the heart and increased risk of an asthma attack can lead to life-threatening events.”
People with medical conditions like diabetes, asthma and heart disease pose the greatest risk from these complications.
Mangett also explained flu can lead to prolonged sinus and ear infections. To reduce your chances of getting the flu or secondary complications from the flu, she says to roll your sleeve up now and get your flu shot so your body can start developing its protection from the virus.
Here are some tips for getting your and your family’s flu shot(s) this season:
- Plan an activity afterwards. Grab dinner or see a movie to incentivize yourself and your family to just get it done.
- Tickle your kid’s arms before they get the shot. It helps relax their muscles and won’t hurt as much.
- Ease the Pain. A dose of ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help reduce inflammation.
- Drink up! Make sure to drink water before and following the vaccination.
- The best tip, a short appointment and a second of discomfort is easier to cope with than multiple days of short breath, burning lungs, fever and achiness.
“We encourage everyone over 6 months old to get a flu vaccine, but it’s especially important for those over 65, people with chronic medical conditions such as COPD, smokers, and those who are pregnant,” explained Mangett.
Call Hamilton Community Health Network at (810) 406-4246 or visit www.hamiltonchn.org to schedule an appointment for your flu vaccine at one of several conveniently located clinics.
About Hamilton Community Health Network
Hamilton Community Health Network is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing comprehensive, quality, community-oriented health care for the underserved throughout Genesee, Lapeer County and surrounding areas. The organization is part of a national network of primary care centers (Section 330E) aimed at improving health services for inner-city populations. These centers provide comprehensive care to patients regardless of their ability to pay. For more information, visit hamiltonchn.org.
