 Influenza Season 2009 - 2010
Best Protection against the Flu: Vaccination
The single best way to protect yourself and your family from flu, is to get vaccinated each year. Flu vaccination begins in September and continues throughout the influenza season into December, January and beyond. There are two types of flu vaccine available in the United States, flu shot and flu mist.
Information on this page is from the Centers of Disease Control (CDC). Visit their web site at http://www.cdc.gov/flu/
Is the Flu Shot or Flu Mist right for me?
There are two types of flu vaccine available, flu shot and flu mist (nasal spray).
When Should I get vaccinated?
The CDC recommends vaccination start early this year in September 2009 and will continue through flu season into February 2010.
- Find out when you can get the flu shot at your doctor's office. Many of our clinics have had shipments of vaccine delayed until November and are currently running short. We appologize for this inconvenience.
- To find out about school and mass flu clinics in Arkansas, visit www.healthyarkansas.com
- Corporate Flu Vaccine Program For information on providing flu vaccines to your employees on site at your business, contact Carole Masterson at 479-571-6766. We are currently not offering vaccine in October due to delayed shipments.
How do I know if I have the flu?
- fever (usually high)
- headache
- extreme tiredness
- dry cough
- runny or stuffy nose
- muscle aches
- sore throat
- vomiting
- sometimes diarrhea
Having these symptoms does not always mean that you have the flu. Many different illnesses, including the common cold, can have similar symptoms.
Diagnosing the Flu
It is very difficult to distinguish the flu from other infections on the basis of symptoms alone. A doctor's exam may be needed to tell whether you have developed the flu or a complication of the flu. There are tests that can determine if you have the flu as long you are tested within the first 2 or 3 days of illness.
If you develop flu-like symptoms and are concerned about your illness, especially if are at high risk for complications of the flu, you should consult your healthcare provider. Those at high risk for complications include people 65 years or older, people with chronic medical conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease), pregnant women, and young children.
> More information from the CDC on flu diagnosis, treatment, and more |
