The flu season is here, are you ready? – News – The Fayetteville Observer

Time is running out to get the flu shot before the start of the season.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend getting vaccinated early in the fall, as it takes about two weeks for the vaccine to be vaccinated against influenza. Although reported cases of influenza are minimal throughout the country, doctors insist that everyone gets a flu shot by the end of October.

"The sooner patients can be vaccinated against the flu, the sooner they will be protected. If we can vaccinate the majority of citizens, they will not only protect themselves but others as well, "says Dr. Jessie Lawrence of Westside Medical Care on Pamalee Drive.

The flu, commonly known as flu, is a contagious respiratory disease caused by an influenza virus. It can cause mild to severe illness and sometimes even death. According to news agencies, at least three influenza-related deaths have been reported this season in North Carolina. Among them are Scarlett Vanstory Levinson, 29, a native of Fayetteville and a lawyer in Raleigh, who died of a heart attack as a result of flu complications, news organizations reported.

The flu season in North Carolina goes from October to May, according to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services.

Although influenza virus can have serious consequences, even for healthy people, complications of influenza are more common in very young children, adults over 50, people with health problems chronic and pregnant women.

Duane Holder, deputy county director and acting director of health for Cumberland, reiterated the importance for people to get vaccinated against the flu.

"Assuming that people are properly protected by vaccination and that there is no mutation in the current strain of the flu virus, this year's flu season may be milder than the previous one", said Holder.

For Lawrence, the flu can be a runny nose, a cough or a fever, while others may have nausea, vomiting and stomach problems.

"For patients with weakened immune systems or other medical problems that complicate their health – diabetes, high blood pressure, smoking, asthma – they are at risk for pneumonia, which can be a more serious problem. complication of the flu, "said Lawrence.

The Cumberland County Department of Health is offering influenza vaccines for children and adults at the vaccination clinic at 1235 Ramsey Street. Uninsured children aged 6 months to 18 years can receive the vaccine for free. For others, the cost will depend on the type of influenza vaccine received.

The vaccination clinic is open from Monday to Thursday from 8:00 to 17:00, as well as every second and fourth Tuesday until 19:00. and Friday from 8am to noon. Walk-in visits are welcome except Friday afternoons, which are limited and available by appointment only. For more information, call 910-433-3633 or 910-433-3657.

Influenza vaccines are also available at several pharmacies, including CVS Minute-Clinics and Walgreens. Most insurance plans cover the costs.

Here are some other tips to protect yourself this season from the flu:

• Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue and dispose of it properly.

• Wash your hands often with soap and water. If you do not have water or soap, use a hand sanitizer.

• stay home when you are sick; stay home until your fever is free for at least 24 hours.