ROME, Ga., Sept. 4, 2024 – Flu season will be here before you know it, and providers at Atrium Health Floyd Primary Care are again urging people to get vaccinated.
Millions of people fall ill with the flu every year. Getting a flu vaccine can help you stay healthy, and even if you do get the flu, the vaccine can limit the severity of the symptoms.
It can take up to two weeks for your body to develop an antibody response to the flu vaccine, which is why the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends getting your shot before the flu season starts so you are protected throughout most of the fall and winter.
Like many viruses, the flu can present many symptoms, including:
- Fever or chills
- Headaches
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Stuffy or runny nose
- Muscle or body aches
- Tiredness
- Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea
In some cases, the flu can cause severe complications, especially for children and immunocompromised individuals. If you or a loved one are experiencing any of these signs or symptoms, please speak to a doctor or nurse right away.
"Everyone older than 6 months should go ahead and get the flu vaccine," said Nurse Practitioner Kimberly Clark, FNP-BC, who sees patients at Atrium Health Floyd Primary Care in Taylorsville. "You might think of the flu as just another illness but people over the age of 65, young children and people with certain health conditions are at a higher risk of serious flu complications."
Flu cases typically start rising seriously in November and continue to spread through February or March. A rise in cases is often reported during the winter holidays, when people gather for events and parties, and when school is out.
The CDC says flu leads to between 140,000 and 810,000 hospitalizations in a typical year.
Clark says these practices can also help prevent the spread of the flu:
- Stay home if you're sick.
- Steer clear of others when they're sick.
- Frequently wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds.
- Don't touch your face or rub your eyes.
- Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze.
- Don't share food or beverages with others.
- Use antibacterial wipes to clean surfaces.
You can also take steps to build up your immune system to help your body fight the flu and other illnesses.
- Maintain a healthy diet that is rich in fruits and vegetables.
- Avoid processed foods and sugary drinks.
- Stay hydrated by drinking lots of water.
- Get at least 7 to 8 hours of sleep every night.
- Exercise for 40 minutes four times a week, even if it's just taking a moderate or brisk walk.
Contact your Atrium Health Floyd primary care provider to get your flu shot. Find a provider at floyd.org/primarycare.