Preventing the Flu Starts with You | Simple Ways to Keep the Flu Away
It’s that time of year again…flu season. The flu makes you feel miserable but did you know the flu can also be dangerous, especially for children.
The Center for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that since 2010, 26,000 children younger than the age of five have been hospitalized each year in the United States because of the flu. You have the power to protect your children, your family and yourself this flu season by getting vaccinated and making sure everyone in your family six months and older gets their vaccine too.
Simple Ways to Keep the Flu Away
1. Get the shot: You can avoid the flu this season by taking one simple step- get a flu shot.
2. Wash your hands:You can also protect yourself and others against the flu by doing simple things like washing your hands for at least 20 seconds before eating.
3. Cover your cough:Covering your mouth when coughing or sneezing can help prevent the spread the influenza virus.
What’s True About the Flu
Unfortunately, some people think that getting a flu vaccine is too much trouble, costs too much, or they are sure that a flu shot will make them sick or make them more likely to catch the flu.
Don't believe the rumors you hear. The flu shot cannot give you even a mild case of influenza. The vaccine does not contain a form of the flu virus that can give you the flu. The injected form of the vaccine is made from pieces of dead flu virus cells. After receiving the vaccine, some people have mild flu-like symptoms. This is not the same thing as having the flu. When you get the flu vaccine, your body reacts and makes antibodies that provide immunity against the virus.
It is completely normal for some people to feel a little crummy a day or two after having the shot. This is actually good news, because it means the shot is working. What is happening is your body is creating immunoglobulins, which protect your body against diseases and your immune system will remember the flu virus and be prepared to attack it if it does enter your body in another way.
Cold vs. Flu
The flu and the common cold are both respiratory illnesses, but they are caused by different viruses. Because these two types of illnesses have similar symptoms, it can be difficult to tell the difference between them based on symptoms alone.
The viruses are spread the same way and with both, fever, coughing, runny nose and sore throat are all common. However, with the flu people tend to have more body aches, fatigue and overall just feel worse than one would who has the common cold.
It is important to note that neither the flu nor the common cold can be treated with an antibiotic. It is always a good idea for those who are experiencing these symptoms to still contact their primary care provider because if caught early enough the symptoms can be mild through supportive care such as taking Tylenol and drinking plenty of fluids.
When, Where and How Can I Get Vaccinated?
Adena Health System offers many flu shot clinics, making it easy for you and your family to get vaccinated. Most of the time, your insurance company will cover the cost of a yearly flu shot. If you wish to schedule a visit for a flu vaccination, please contact your doctor’s office, or call 740-779-FIND to get established with a doctor at a time and location that is convenient for you.
At this time, Adena is offering walk-in flu clinics at the following locations:
- The Clinic at Walmart, 85 River Trace Lane, Chillicothe
Mon.-Fri. 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sat. 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sun. 12-5 p.m.
- Adena Regional Medical Center Pharmacy, 272 Hospital Road, Chillicothe
Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m. – 9 p.m.
- Adena Urgent Care – Western Ave, 55 Centennial Blvd, Chillicothe
Sunday – Saturday 8:00am – 9:00pm
- Adena Health Center Circleville, 140 Morris Rd, Circleville
Mon.-Fri. 2-8 p.m.; Sat. 9 a.m.–6 p.m.
- Adena Urgent Care – Hillsboro, 160 Roberts Lane, Hillsboro
Sunday – Saturday 8:00am – 8:00pm
- Adena Urgent Care – Waverly, 12340 St Rt 104, Waverly
Sunday – Saturday 8:00am – 8:00pm
No appointment is needed.