Moving to a new town comes with a lot of tasks to get done. Not only do you have to get all of your belongings moved, but you have to make changes to your medical care facilities. So, when you get to your new home town, do you know what health care clinics you can rely on for the care of your family? Will you couple your family's healthcare with both a clinic and a PCP? This blog will give you several suggestions about how to manage the changes in your family's healthcare adaptations to ensure you receive the best possible care in your new home town.
Characterized by achy muscles and joints, headache, sneezing, coughing, and fever, the flu virus causes enormous discomfort that can wreak havoc on your physical and emotional well-being. The flu is common, but most people do not realize how dangerous this virus can be. While shocking to learn, the CDC believes an estimated 12,000 to 56,000 people may die because of the flu each year. This guide will help you understand the truth behind a few common flu myths, so you can realize the dangers of this virus and the importance of proper care from a local healthcare center.
Flu Vaccination Gives you the Flu
One of the most common myths associated with this virus is that if you get the flu vaccination, you are more likely to get the flu. Learning the truth behind this myth is imperative, because it prevents many people from receiving the essential vaccine needed for protection from the virus.
Flu shots are designed each year by scientists who predict which flu strains will be circulating in the upcoming season. The vaccines are administered in a variety of ways, including through a needle/shot and an actual nasal spray.
Many people feel that, by adding the flu vaccine to your system, you are actually increasing your risk of developing the flu, but that is not true because the viruses in the shot are actually dead, not live. Although there are many factors that determine how effective the vaccine is, recent studies showed vaccinated people are about 60 percent less likely to develop the flu than unvaccinated people.
Doctors recommend flu shots once a year for everyone 6 months of age and older.
The Flu Is Just a Bad Cold
Another common misconception you may have is that the flu is just a bad cold. Again, this myth needs to be addressed because believing you have a cold when you really have the flu will prevent you from getting the right treatment.
Symptoms of the flu and the common cold are similar. If you have either, you may experience body aches, a stuffy nose, sneezing, and coughing. Both are respiratory viruses, but the flu symptoms will be much more severe.
It is also important to note that symptoms of a cold will develop gradually, while flu symptoms will be more abrupt. Finally, the flu virus can lead to many dangerous complications, such as pneumonia and bacterial infections, which may require hospitalizations.
To schedule a flu shot or for diagnosis of the flu, contact your medical provider today.
Share16 October 2018
