Why September is a Great Time for a Flu Shot

With the long stretches of heat lingering this summer, the last thing on your mind is likely flu prevention. On the other hand, with cases of the flu typically appearing in October and peaking between January and February per the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (USDHHS), the time to protect yourself is now. At Phoenix Family Medical Clinic, we have been stocking up on flu vaccinations to cater to the significant call for vaccines in the Phoenix, Surprise and Tempe area.

According to the USDHHS, throughout the entire nation, up to 20 percent of people contract the flu, and more than 200,000 people end up being hospitalized for complications stemming from the virus. Of those numbers, the elderly, toddlers and infants as well as those diagnosed with chronic health conditions are most likely to suffer from these types of complications.

The flu can contribute towards the following health complications:

• Infections of the ear, nose and/or throat
• Increased difficulty from chronic health conditions
• Other upper respiratory infections, such as forms of pneumonia
• Dehydration

Dehydration is a key element that residents in Arizona need to avoid. Since our bodies are composed of high percentages of water, our bodies have more difficulty fighting off or expelling infections or viruses if we are dehydrated. Therefore, because we are still enduring warm temperatures at this time, keeping yourself hydrated is an extremely effective way to prevent numerous health conditions, including the flu.

Did you know one flu shot may not be enough?

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), while flu vaccines are comprised of antibodies as well as the dead flu virus, children eight years old and younger may require two separate shots to boost their immune systems against upper respiratory attacks. However, the CDC also states that flu viruses constantly evolve, so each vaccination may not be an exact match to strengthen immune systems against the exact virus you may be exposed to.

Another important fact that the USDHHS indicates is how sneaky the flu virus is. We can be infected a single day before we experience symptoms, and we can infect others up to seven days after the symptoms present themselves.

What can I do?

Glad you asked! Here at Phoenix Family Medical Clinic, we propose the following measures to prevent the flu virus from spreading around your home as well as the workplace:

• Teach children to be cautious when sneezing and coughing
• Sanitize surfaces as well as your hands before and after you touch common surfaces. This includes school or work desks, bathroom faucets, computer keyboards and gas station pump handles
• Avoid touching your nose, mouth or eyes unless your hands have been properly sanitized
• Take immune system boosting vitamins year-round instead of only when you feel sick
• If you have contracted the flu, stay home. It’s not worth the risk of infecting your coworkers, especially when the virus can mutate and return to attack you a second time!
• Ask for regular wellness checks
• Get your flu shot

Phoenix Family Medical Clinic has been serving Phoenix and nearby city residents for over 20 years. Our recent growth to a fourth clinic proves how successful our customized care is for your needs through both traditional and integrative medicine techniques. Take advantage of our multilingual medical clinic expertise and book your appointment on our website today!

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