You’re probably no stranger to having the flu – coughing, sore throat, runny nose, body aches, maybe even a fever – most of these symptoms can be easily taken care with some rest, liquids, chicken soup, and over-the-counter medicine.
In fact, most people who get the flu will have only mild symptoms. They won’t need medical care or prescription drugs and they will recover in less than two weeks. So – if those are the facts, then why would anyone need to get vaccinated?
Well – some people are at higher risk to get the flu, and when they do they are more likely to have complications. That’s a medical way of saying that when they get the flu it can be much more serious than the average person. And when they do get the flu it has a greater chance of causing other medical problems to get worse.
This is a really good reason for people who are in high-risk groups to get vaccinated. A good example is if a person has asthma. They can have more asthma attacks while they have the flu. Or, if they have diabetes, the flu could trigger that problem and even make it worse.
Here are some examples of people who are at a higher risk if they get the flu:
- Children younger than five but especially children younger than two-years old
- Adults 65 years and older
- Pregnant women
- People with asthma, obesity, diabetes, lung disease, heart disease, blood disorders, endocrine disorders, kidney disorders, liver disorders
- People with HIV or AIDS
- Cancer
- Or those on chronic steroids
But what if you aren’t in the high-risk group?
Well, let’s think it through. If you get sick it may not be a big deal and it will be over in less than two weeks. But ask yourself these questions:
- What about people you come in contact with every day? Especially since you’re not very sick, so you don’t stay home in bed.
- What if you give the flu to some of the people around you?
- And what if some of them actually get sick?
- And what if some of them are in a high-risk group?
That could be bad for them and they may need to go to the hospital. We think that’s a good reason for everyone to get vaccinated.
When you and I get vaccinated, we not only protect ourselves, but all the people around us who might not be able to fight the flu so easily.
So do yourself and everyone around you a huge favor – get vaccinated for the flu this year. It’s easy. It’s safe and it can save you and others in our community from getting really sick this flu season.
Did you know that Orchard Hospital has a walk-in clinic? We do! Visit us at our Medical Specialty Center—Your Everyday Health Care Clinic—if you think you may be coming down with the flu. We offer flu immunizations as well as screening, diagnosis, and treatment for the flu. We will take care of you quickly and efficiently. Appointments are recommended, but walk-ins are welcome. Open 7 days a week. It’s our goal to have fast and friendly care while delivering quality health care.
Our mission at Orchard Hospital is to provide our community with superior healthcare. We strive to ensure that your experience at Orchard Hospital is as pleasant and comfortable as possible. Our priority is to provide you with the care you need when you need it, with skill, compassion, and respect.
