Flu Shot

Time for your flu shot!

Darin Eklund, PA-C
Subhash Sahai, MD

As we enter fall it’s time to think about the approaching flu season. Influenza is a highly contagious viral upper respiratory infection that usually hits Iowa in early to mid-winter causing high fever, muscle aches, headache, sore throat, coughing, nasal congestion, and sneezing.

Every year the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) evaluates worldwide patterns to determine which strains of the virus are most likely to hit the U.S. These strains are then inactivated and manufactured into a vaccine. Upon vaccination, your immune system is “primed” and ready to respond when you are exposed to the flu. While usually a mild occurrence, 30,000 people in the U.S. die annually due to complications of influenza, with thousands more requiring hospitalization. 90% of these people are over the age of 65, with the rest being usually either very young or having a weakened immune system.

With plenty of vaccine available, everyone is encouraged to get a flu vaccine. It is especially important that those people who are immunosuppressed and those at highest risk (asthma, COPD, cancer, and lung, liver or heart disease) receive the vaccine. Additionally, anyone over the age of 65, pregnant women past 20 weeks of gestation, and anyone who works in the health care field, should also receive the flu vaccine.

If you do not get vaccinated and start to exhibit symptoms of the flu, see your doctor immediately. If caught within the first 48 hours, there are antiviral medications which may limit the severity and spread of infection.

If you have further questions or concerns about influenza, please contact the Webster City Medical Clinic at (515) 832-6123.