Pikeville Medical Center (PMC) is preparing for flu season by bringing awareness to the community about influenza.
In the 2017- 2018 Flu season PMC reported over 3,193 positive flu tests. Last year the flu rapidly affected people of this region. PMC opened a flu clinic with special times to accommodate all those affected by the virus.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), each year, on average, five percent to 20 percent of the U.S. population gets the flu, tens of thousands are hospitalized and thousands die from flu-related illness.
Influenza, commonly known as “the flu”, is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat and lungs. It can cause mild to severe illness or even death.
Flu is unpredictable and the severity of an outbreak can vary from one season to the next.
As Flu season approaches, preparation is key in preventing most seasonal flu activity. PMC suggests getting the vaccine as soon as it becomes available each year, usually by October, to help reduce the effects of this potentially deadly disease.
“I recommend everyone six months of age and older to get the yearly flu vaccine as the first step in protecting against the flu. However, as long as flu viruses are circulating in the community, it is not too late to get vaccinated,” said PMC Director of Infection Control, Nina Reynolds.
The Flu is spread primarily by droplet transmission. This happens when an infected person coughs, sneezes or even talks causing droplets containing the virus to enter the air. They then can land in the mouths or noses of people nearby. Also, if someone touches an object that has been contaminated with the flu virus and rubs their eyes, nose or mouth they can become infected.
The flu can cause certain chronic health conditions, such as asthma, heart disease, or diabetes. Any flu infection can carry a risk of serious complications, hospitalizations or death, even among otherwise healthy children and adults.
“Every day preventative measures like hand washing and staying home from work or school while sick can reduce the spread of germs,” said Reynolds.
The single best way to protect yourself from the flu is to get vaccinated each year. The seasonal flu vaccine protects against influenza viruses that are common during flu season.
PMC is preparing and taking all necessary measures to provide quality health care to people this upcoming flu season. Preventive steps are the best way to avoid the virus.
During flu season patients will be able to get a flu shot in any physician office throughout the organization. If you are a patient in the hospital, you can receive a flu shot during your stay.
For more information about flu or to schedule an appointment, call 606-430-3500.
