Flu season is right around the corner. Unfortunately, predicting the type of flu season that’s ahead is very difficult. One thing that’s for sure is that flu epidemics occur almost every year to one degree or another.
Last year's flu season was particularly severe. An estimated 80,000 Americans died of influenza and its complications - the highest death toll from the flu in at least four decades.
The flu season in northeastern Oklahoma typically peaks in January or February, but flu activity can span the months of September through May.
Be prepared for whatever type of flu season is on its way by getting vaccinated. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend "a yearly flu vaccine as the first and most important step in protecting against flu viruses." Additionally, the protection you get from a vaccination will last throughout the entire flu season.
The flu vaccine can be administered by injection or by nasal spray, depending on your age and other factors. There is an augmented-dose flu vaccine for patients aged 65 and older which is more effective at preventing influenza in seniors. Although egg allergies generally do not preclude one from receiving the flu vaccine, there is now a non-egg based flu vaccine that can be given to you if you have severe egg allergies.
All Utica Park Clinic primary care locations are now stocked with this season’s flu vaccine. Please call your preferred clinic location today to make arrangements for getting vaccinated or call 918-579-DOCS (3627).
The CDC recommends that nearly everyone who is six months of age or older get vaccinated.