Flu Season

12/4/2016

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises everyone 6 months or older to get a flu shot, especially people at high risk for developing serious complications from influenza: young children, adults over 65, pregnant women, and individuals with chronic medical conditions like asthma, diabetes and lung disease. Adults are contagious one day before getting symptoms and up to five days after getting sick. If you think you have the flu, visit your doctor or an urgent care as soon as possible. They may be able to prescribe antiviral drugs to treat flu illness and prevent serious flu complications. High-risk individuals with the flu are particularly in need of prompt treatment.

Like other hospitals in the region, we are experiencing an increase in emergency room visits among people with flu-like symptoms. Flu season is expected to continue for several more weeks. Influenza can be severe and annual vaccination is the best tool for flu prevention. It is not too late for to get a flu shot. Anyone who has not yet been vaccinated this season should get an influenza vaccine now.

The flu is different from a cold, typically coming on suddenly.

• Fever* or feeling feverish/chills (*not everyone with flu will have a fever)
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Muscle or body aches
• Headaches
• Fatigue (tiredness)
• Vomiting and diarrhea (more common in children)

(SOURCE: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

For individuals who have been immunized and get the flu, the vaccine still offers some protection in the form of reduced severity and duration of symptoms. The CDC issued guidance earlier this year that FluMist nose spray vaccines will not defend against the flu this season. We follow CDC’s guidance and will not offer nasal spray, but will continue to provide injectable forms of the vaccine. Although there is still a chance that people who receive influenza vaccinations can get influenza, vaccinated people who get the flu typically have a milder case of flu and shorter duration.

Merit Health Biloxi is offering free flu vaccines to all employees, volunteers and physicians again this year. Getting immunized is the best way to prevent contracting or spreading the flu. Although the vaccination is each person’s choice, we strongly encourage everyone to participate to protect themselves and others. As a trusted community health resource, Merit Health Biloxi is committed to providing a safe environment for patient care. We follow established industry regulations and guidelines to prevent the spread of contagious diseases such as the flu. We urge all employees, physicians and volunteers to get vaccinated to protect the health and safety of our patients and colleagues.

The best way to protect yourself and others from the influenza is by getting an annual vaccine. The CDC is recommending immunization for all Americans older than six months, except people with severe egg allergies and other chronic conditions. We only offer the injectable form of the vaccine after the CDC issued guidance that the nasal spray will not protect against the flu this season. The shot is proven to be safe and effective with very rare side effects. Combined with the vaccine good health habits can protect against the flu: avoiding contact with people who have the flu or symptoms, staying home when you are sick, covering your mouth and nose when you sneeze, resist touching your eyes, mouth and nose, and washing your hands frequently.

For more information on how you can get a flu vaccination at Merit Health, please call (228) 432-1571.

Merit Health Biloxi is a 153 bed acute care facility with an additional 45 psychiatric beds located in Biloxi, Mississippi. Our mission is the delivery of compassionate and high quality health care services that improve the quality of life for our patients, physicians and the communities we serve.

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