Flu – Please take this seriously!

Flu spread across the Southern Tier and New York state is moving at an alarming rate. The entire country has seen a widespread surge in flu cases since Thanksgiving. The CDC is once again urging communities across the country to increase awareness of the spread of influenza and the importance of getting a flu vaccination. It is not too late and the vaccine manufactured for this year’s version of the virus is proving to be very effective.

An annual flu vaccine is recommended for almost everyone 6 months and older. It is one of the best ways to 
reduce flu illnesses, hospitalizations and death from flu. Vaccination is the best defense against both COVID-19 and the flu. Both vaccines are necessary to help people stay healthy and to avoid added stress to our healthcare system. The CDC says it’s safe to get the flu vaccine and a COVID vaccine at the same time, whether it’s your first COVID vaccine or, for those who are eligible, your third dose or a booster shot. The body’s immune response and any possible side effects are generally the same as when getting one vaccine alone. Consider getting each vaccine in a different arm to help reduce any pain and swelling that might happen.

“The flu is not just a really bad cold,” commented Dr. Chris Ryan, Medical Director of the Broome County 
Health Department. “The flu is a contagious illness that affects the nose, throat, lungs, and other parts of the 
body. It can spread quickly from one person to another. It can cause mild to severe illness and, at times, can 
lead to death.”

Unlike a cold, flu symptoms start suddenly. They appear about 1 to 4 days after a person is exposed to the flu.

Flu symptoms may include:

• Fever or feeling feverish/chills 
• Muscle or body aches
• Cough 
• Headache
• Sore throat 
• Tiredness
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Vomiting or diarrhea (typically more common in children

“Anyone can get the flu and serious complications from the flu can happen at any age. Prevention is the 
best measure. Contact your primary care doctor or visit a flu clinic to get your vaccine,” commented Kathy 
Connerton, President and CEO of Lourdes.

Some people are at high risk for serious complications from the flu. This includes: older people, pregnant 
women, young children and people with certain health conditions. Three of the nation’s leading, non-profit 
health organizations – the American Lung Association, the American Diabetes Association and the American 
Heart Association – urge adults living with chronic disease to prioritize getting an annual flu vaccine and are 
also calling on health care professionals to advocate for and support flu immunization in their practices. Infants 
under 6 months of age have a higher risk of flu complications than children of any other age, yet they are too 
young for the flu vaccine.

Those who live or work with people who are at high risk of flu complications should get a flu vaccine to 
keep from spreading the flu to them. John Carrigg, President and CEO of UHS added, “It is very important to 
watch your symptoms carefully and know when and if you need to go to the Emergency Room. Locally, our 
Emergency Rooms are very busy with both flu patients and other acute care needs, meaning wait times can be 
quite long. And, of course, masking when out in public and staying home if you are experiencing symptoms is 
best practice and can’t be urged enough.”

Flu shots are available locally at retail pharmacies, the local health department and from local physician 
practices. Here are several links to current vaccine availabilities.

https://www.vaccines.gov/find-vaccines/
https://www.nyuhs.org/care-treatment/primary-care
https://www.nyuhs.org/news-search/uhs-offers-flu-shots-appointment
Schedule with a primary care provider at: GetLourdesCare.com