[ad_1]
AUSTIN (KXAN) – The 2017-2018 flu season has been the deadliest in decades. The Centers for Disease Control indicate that about 80,000 Americans died last winter because of the flu or complications caused by the virus.
This year, they are asking all children 6 months and older to be vaccinated before the end of October.
"I'm scared," Fiona Bueche said while waiting at Pediatric Associates of Austin to get vaccinated.
Bueche, aged 7, said she was there with her mother and older brother because the family had jumped the vaccine a few years ago: "We were all sick on the anniversary of my brother. we all did not feel well. "
"We want everyone to be vaccinated and vaccinated," said Dr. Ryan McCorkle, an emergency medicine physician at St. David's Medical Center.
McCorkle said, "We are seeing a flu-like illness 12 months a year, but the flu season has already begun.
Pediatrician Sam Mirrop of Pediatric Associates in Austin said he also saw young flu patients in his office.
"We have seen a few cases here," he said. "I've also talked with adult doctors and they already see a lot of flu."
There is some optimism that this flu season may not be as bad as last year, as Australia 's season was more lenient.
Dr. Phil Huang, medical director and health authority of Austin Public Health, said that KXAN doctors are monitoring the influenza season in Australia during their winter, our summer. But that does not mean you can let down your guard.
"You do not know how each person will react to a bad disease," said Mirrop. "You always have to assume that it's going to be bad until you know it, and most of the time, you know well afterwards, it's just an indicator in Australia." not necessarily 100%. "
According to the CDC, 180 American children died of flu-related illnesses last year. About 80% of them have not received the flu shot.
"We want everyone to be vaccinated and vaccinated," McCorkle said. "It's everybody 6 months and older."
FLU CLINICS AT UT AUSTIN
At UT Austin, the school offers a flu clinic until October 18th.
"It's not too early to get the flu shot – it takes about two weeks to develop protection after receiving the vaccine," said Charlotte Katzin, Nurse Manager.
The school has launched its flu vaccination campaign and has 13,000 injections. They said that students and staff under 65 with UT Select coverage could get the flu shot as part of their plans. Those without can get it for $ 10.
Jaime Davis was there to get the flu shot. She said that she receives the vaccine every year. Last year, she said, "I mean, I have a cold. But as for the flu season, I did not get it. I have not had the flu for many years. latest."
The university also participates in a national flu vaccination contest with other campuses to see who can administer the most shots.
[ad_2]
Source link
