With nearly 200,000 Americans being hospitalized each year after a flu diagnosis, it’s important to ensure that you and your family are protected this flu season.

Influenza, also known as the flu, is an incredibly contagious respiratory illness caused by the flu virus. It can cause mild or severe illness and, at times, can lead to death. Though many people believe the flu is the same as a cold, they are very different.

The flu usually comes on suddenly and causes some, if not all, of these symptoms:
 

• Fever
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Muscle or body aches
• Headaches
• Fatigue (tiredness)

Unfortunately, anyone can get the flu – even if you’re the healthy. Serious problems related to the flu can happen at any age, but some people have a higher risk of developing serious flu-related complications if they get sick. This includes people 65 years of age or older, those of any age with chronic medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes or heart disease, pregnant women, and young children.

Getting a flu shot can lower your risk of getting the flu and needing to see a doctor, according to a report published by the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). To decrease your chances of getting the flu, make sure you call us at (888) 499-9303 to schedule an appointment for your flu vaccination.