FLU SHOT INFORMATION
We are out of flu shots for the
2009-20010
flu season
Please check back here or call (919) 968-1985 x191 for when will
will begin giving flu shots in the fall
The Family Doctor usually begins giving flu shots in early to mid-October. We
usually run out of flu vaccine in late November.
Protect yourself against getting the flu:
You can best protect yourself and others from getting
the flu by doing the following:
-- Wash your hands frequently
-- Use waterless sanitizers between hand-washings
-- Cover your face with the inside of your elbow when you cough or
sneeze.
-- Don't sneeze into your hands unless you will wash your hands immediately
after.
-- Stay away from anyone with a respiratory infection.
If you develop a respiratory infection, please
-- wear a facemask to protect others from any secretions
you may put into the air.
-- try to stay home, away from other people, as much as possible.
-- see your health care provider as soon as possible.
Symptoms of the flu may include:
-- Fever over 100 degrees
-- Body aches and headache
-- Chest discomfort
-- Sore throat and cough
-- Fatigue and exhaustion which can last up to 2 to 3 weeks
-- Sometimes stuffy nose and sneezing
If you think that you have the flu,
-- see your health care provider as soon as possible.
-- You can come as a walk-in at The Family Doctor;
you do not need an appointment.
-- There are medications effective at lessening the severity of the
flu, if treatment starts within 24 to 48
hours of the onset of symptoms.
-- We will not prescribe these medications over the telephone.
You must come in to be evaluated so we can determine if these medications are
indicated for your
medical condition.
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About our flu shots:
Our flu shots are for adults and children aged 4 years
and older. Children aged 4 to 8 years old who have never had a flu
shot before will require 2 shots at least one month apart. Pregnant
women MUST get a written order from their gynecologist prior to coming
to our office for a flu vaccine.
We recommend the flu shot for anyone who wants to
try to avoid the flu. We especially advise the following people to
get a flu shot: anyone who is immune compromised; anyone with a chronic
illness such as diabetes, asthma, heart, lung or kidney disease;
and all people over age 50.
Some people should not get the flu vaccine. We advise
against the flu shot for anyone with an allergy to eggs or thimerosal
(a mercury derivative). If you have had a bad reaction to a previous
flu shot, you may want to discuss this with your health care provider
prior to deciding about getting one this year.
Our flu vaccine is made from a dead virus and is only
available as a shot. You will NOT get the flu from this vaccine.
You may, however, get soreness in your arm at the site of the injection.
Therefore, we suggest that you take Tylenol or acetominephen prior
to or immediately after your shot. The vaccine will take about two
weeks to become effective against influenza.
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