News And Publications
SEASONAL FLU AND H1N1
FLU INFORMATION
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Seasonal Flu
Vaccinations are
now available. |
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The 2010 Flu season has arrived. Edina Family Physicians has scheduled Flu Shot Clinics for your convenience. We understand that the FLU is a topic of concern for our patients and their families. Our office continues to monitor and receive regular updates regarding seasonal influenza (flu) from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the State of Minnesota and the local health department. This year’s flu vaccine is made in the same way as the past flu vaccines. Flu vaccines have an excellent safety record. It is expected that the H1N1 flu strain will continue to circulate so this year’s vaccine has included a strain of the H1N1 virus in addition to Influenza A & B. ALL of the vaccines being given at Edina Family Physicians are preservative free. It is recommended that everyone over the age of 6 months should get a FLU vaccine this year. Even if you received the vaccine last year, you should still get this year’s flu vaccine. If your child is 6 months through 8 years, he or she may need a second dose. Discuss this with your doctor. Those most at risk for becoming seriously ill from the flu include: · People age 65 and older · Young children · Pregnant women · People with certain health conditions such as asthma, diabetes and heart disease Ø Influenza is another name for the seasonal flu. It is a viral infection that attacks the respiratory system, including your nose, throat, bronchial tubes and lungs. Ø Influenza usually appears suddenly with a runny nose, headache, cough and/or fatigue. Most people can treat influenza with rest, liquids and fever/pain relief. Ø Influenza is commonly called the flu, but it is not the same as the stomach virus which causes diarrhea and vomiting. Ø Seasonal Flu is different from a cold as a cold usually stays in the head while the flu gives you body aches, fever and extreme fatigue. A person with a cold will usually keep up with his or her normal activities, while someone with the flu will often feel too sick to do so. •Get vaccinated •Avoid being exposed to anyone sick with flu-like symptoms •Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, or cough into your sleeve. •Clean your hands often, with soap and water, or a hand sanitizer. •Do not expose infants to large crowds when the flu is in the community. •Do not share drinking cups or straws. •Clean commonly touched surfaces often. (Door knobs, refrigerator handles, phones, water faucets). •STAY HOME IF YOU HAVE THE FLU. •Rest and drink plenty of fluids. •Antibiotics will not help someone with the Flu virus; however, a bacterial infection does need to be treated by an antibiotic. o See your physician if your symptoms are more than aches and pains. He/She will determine if you have a bacterial infection and require an antibiotic. •Help children to keep their fever under control. •Take your child to the doctor or the emergency room if he or she: o Breathes rapidly or with difficulty o Has bluish skin color o Does not drink enough and becomes dehydrated o Does not wake up or interact with others o Is so irritable that he or she doesn’t want to be held o Or if he/she gets better and then becomes ill again with a fever and a severe cough. Ø Check the CDC website: http://www.flu.gov/index.html Ø Check the MN Dept of Health website: http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/idepc/diseases/flu/basics/flufacts.html ************************************************************************************* |
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Ø Wash your hands Ø Stay home when you are sick. Ø Wash your hands Ø Keep your children home from school when they are sick. Ø Wash your hands |
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