MEDICAL MOMENT: FLU FACTS

21 Sep MEDICAL MOMENT: FLU FACTS

Telluride Inside… and Out is proud to feature the Telluride Medical Center’s MEDICAL MOMENT, a weekly column that answers common medical questions in pop culture. Have a question for the doctors? Click here to send.

Laura A Cattell, PA-C answers this week’s question:

Laura A. Cattell, Nationally Certified Physician’s Assistant

“WHAT DO YOU KNOW ABOUT FLU?”

Influenza is a serious virus, it can cause even healthy people to become very ill, or even die.

10 Flu Facts:

People over 65, and under 2 years of age, are most likely to get the sickest from a flu virus

The flu vaccine causes antibodies to develop in your body; the antibodies protect against the influenza viruses

It takes two weeks for the vaccine to protect you

Viruses in the flu vaccine are killed (inactivated) and CAN NOT give you the flu

Everyone over the age of 6 months should get vaccinated

If you are over 65, have asthma, diabetes, chronic lung disease, are pregnant — or care for anyone who fits the above description — you are at high risk for developing complications from the flu and you should absolutely get the shot!

If you are severely allergic to eggs you should NOT get the flu vaccine

If you have a fever, wait until you are better to get the shot

Flu season can start as early as October and runs through May

The flu vaccine protects you from H1N1 as well as other strains

Bottom Line: Flu Vaccines are available now at the Telluride Medical Center. Schedule your shot today!

Editor’s note: The Telluride Medical Center is the only 24-hour emergency facility within 65 miles. You can choose your own medical provider visit with a specialist or take advantage of their Mountain Skin Care services. As a mountain town in a challenging, remote environment, a thriving medical center is vital to our community’s health. For more Medical Moments on TIO, Click Here.