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| Getting a Flu Shot Can Reduce the Risk of Getting the Flu Courtesy Photo |
It may start with a
sudden high fever. A sore throat, runny nose, cough, muscle aches and fatigue
usually follow. Other symptoms may include chills, headache, nausea, vomiting
and diarrhea. Welcome to the flu.
The flu, which is a contagious virus, spreads through
respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. It can
also be contracted by touching contaminated surfaces and then touching your
eyes, nose or mouth. Symptoms typically appear within one to four days of
exposure and can last for up to a week.
“Some people confuse a cold with the flu,” said Donald E.
Conrad, DO, a Penn Highlands Family Medicine physician and Penn Highlands QCare
Medical Director. “Flu symptoms tend to
develop quickly after a person is exposed to the virus and are typically more
severe than the congestion, runny nose and sneezing associated with most
colds.”
Dr. Conrad continued, “People can spread the flu virus
before they are sick – up to 24 hours before symptoms even present.”
Getting the flu vaccine is one of the best and simplest ways
to reduce your risk of getting the flu and spreading it to others.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,
during the 2024-2025 flu season, it is estimated that there were 43 million flu
cases, 560,000 hospitalizations and 24,000 deaths with 266 reported
flu-associated pediatric deaths. In addition, this past flu season saw an
increased number of Emergency Room visits and hospital admissions for
flu-related infections.
There are many good reasons to get the flu vaccine
including:
Several studies have shown that getting the flu vaccine can
either prevent or reduce the severity of the illness preventing possible
complications.
It reduces flu-related admissions to the hospital.
People with chronic ailments such as cardiac conditions,
lung or diabetes can help prevent them from worsening.
Flu vaccine given during pregnancy can protect not only the
mother but the baby after the first few months of life.
Studies have shown that flu vaccination with children can
reduce the risk of life-threatening influenza by 75%.
By getting vaccinated, you help protect yourself, your
family, babies and young children, older people and our patients who are in a
compromised state by being in the hospital
The flu vaccine does not give you the flu. It is an
inactivated (dead) vaccine.
Getting the flu vaccine is one of the best decisions you can
make.
Penn Highlands Healthcare offers the flu vaccine and many
other immunizations at many sites throughout Pennsylvania including QCare
Walk-in Clinics and community pharmacies. To learn more about the flu vaccine
or for a location near you, visit www.phhealthcare.org/immunizations/.
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