Flu Vaccine -- Your Best Weapon Against the Flu
The seasonal flu. It’s a respiratory virus that rears its ugly head every year to bring on symptoms such as: high fever, cough, runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, headache, muscle and body aches, stomach ache, weakness, chills, vomiting, diarrhea, and feeling tired. It also causes thousands of deaths each year. And it easily spreads.
When a person with the flu sneezes, talks, laughs, or coughs, the virus goes into the air in the form of droplets. This can spread to others, and land on surfaces (like doorknobs and countertops) within three to six feet away! If you touch anything that has the virus on it, it can spread to your hands. And then when you touch your eyes, mouth, or nose, you get the flu.
So why get a flu vaccine? “Not only does the flu vaccine prevent you from getting the flu, it prevents you from spreading it to friends, family, staff, and other Veterans,” said Harry Lampiris, M.D., Chief of Infectious Diseases at San Francisco VA Medical Center (SFVAMC). The virus can shed, or spread, 24 to 48 hours before the onset of symptoms, according to the CDC. “You would be able to spread the flu without having any symptoms. You can also shed the virus for five days after the onset of symptoms,” said Dr. Lampiris.
“The single most important things Veterans can do to protect themselves is to get the flu vaccine,” said Shelley Dwyer, RN, of Infection Control at SFVAMC. Veterans who have clinic appointments may get their flu shot during their appointments. There is also a walk-in clinic, no appointment needed. Enrolled Veterans may stop by the Medical Practice front desk and say they are here for their flu vaccine. The walk-in flu clinic is open Monday through Friday (except holidays), 8:30 a.m. to 12 noon, and 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. Medical Practice Clinics are located in Bldg. 200, first floor.
What are the best ways to fight the flu? Besides getting your flu vaccine, the CDC recommends washing your hands often with soap and water. Also, try to avoid contact with sick people. Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue after your cough or sneeze, and throw the tissue in the trash afterwards. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth (that’s the way germs spread). If you are sick, limit your contact with others as much as you can. Take flu antiviral drugs if your doctor prescribes them. Learn more!
