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Influenza Q&A

A short Q&A about Influenza:

Q. “Why do doctors give flu vaccine?”

A. So that fewer people die.

We give influenza vaccine to all people over 6 months old to prevent serious illness, hospitalizations, and death.  Did you know that the flu shot saved 40,000 lives (including 9,000+ children’s lives) in the last 9 years?   Also, an unimmunized person with a milder case of influenza that they don’t even notice can pass the germ to an elderly person or a baby, which can lead to another’s death.  We have reports of severe disease, and teenagers being life-flighted to Children’s hospital, as well as babies hospitalized with influenza locally.   I want to be immunized, so that at least I have some protection (60% is better than zero!) for myself, but also to do my part to protect babies and kids and elderly folks in my community.

Learn more – http://www.cdc.gov/flu/news/flu-vaccine-saved-lives.htm  

Q. “Do I need a flu shot if I already had the flu?”

A. Yes.

First of all, vomiting & diarrhea illnesses are most likely NOT influenza.   The viruses that cause vomiting and diarrhea have nothing to do with influenza or flu shots.   Influenza causes a sudden onset of high fever, muscle aches, and respiratory complaints.   Even if you had bona fide influenza disease, you should still have an influenza vaccine, because late in the season another vaccine-preventable strain of influenza can rage through the country.   The American Academy of Pediatrics has written a great summary of influenza disease for this 2015-2016 season.

Learn more – https://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/immunizations/Pages/the-flu-seasonal-influenza-2014-2015.aspx

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Matthew Walton, DO
Canyon-View_Provider-Austin_BILLS
providers
Austin Bills, DO
801-798-7301
Family Medicine
Canyon-View_Provider-Aaron-FAUSETT
providers
Aaron Fausett, PA
801-465-9820
Family Medicine
Canyon-View_Provider-Stephen-TAKASAKI
providers
Stephen Takasaki, DO
801-489-8464
Family Medicine
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