Protect yourself and those you love from the flu

It often starts with a headache, cough and sore throat, and it quickly gets worse. You begin to feel achy and every muscle in your body hurts. You become extremely tired. A high fever develops, and your nose is stuffy. For a few days or weeks – you’re stuck in bed, feeling miserable. What is it that’s causing your pain and discomfort?

The flu.

The flu is worse than the common cold—much worse. It can cause hospitalization and even death.

The best way to prevent the flu is to get a flu vaccination each fall. October or November is the best time to get vaccinated, but getting vaccinated in December or even later can still help you prevent the flu.

To ensure that people who are at highest risk of complications from the flu have access to vaccine, the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) recommend that certain priority groups receive the flu shot between now and October 24, 2005. The following are the priority groups which should receive the flu shot prior to October 24, 2005:

• People aged 65 years and older, with and without chronic health conditions
• Residents of long-term care facilities
• People aged 2–64 years with chronic health conditions
• Children aged 6–23 months
• Pregnant women
• Health-care personnel who provide direct patient care
• Household contacts and out-of-home caregivers of children aged <6 months

On October 24, 2005, flu vaccination will be made available for anyone else who wants it. You can also practice the following healthy habits to help prevent catching and spreading the flu:

• Wash your hands often,
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth as much as possible,
• Stay away from people who are sick,
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, and
• Get regular exercise, enough rest and eat healthy, balanced meals.

For more information about the flu shot, or to schedule your appointment to get a flu vaccination, contact your doctor today. You can also visit www.immunizenc.com for more information.

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Last Modified: September 30, 2005