Outbreaks are earlier than normal in the area.
The Red Cross said there's still time for folks to get flu shots and be covered from what is considered to be a more active flu season. Here are some local options. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) said flu outbreaks are high for this time of the season, with "widespread activity" in Massachusetts. How do you prevent the flu? According to the CDC, in addition to getting the vaccine, you can: How do you know if you have the virus? Symptoms include: high fever, severe body aches, headache, being extremely tired, sore throat, cough, runny or stuffy nose, and vomiting and/or diarrhea (which is more common in children). When should you call the doctor? According to the Red Cross, if you think you have the flu, your doctor should be …
Whether you are a regular to the flu vaccine or an “I never get it” kind of reader, the total vaccine story may not be one you’ve ever stopped to investigate.
"What are your thoughts on the flu vaccine?" is a question I am asked daily. It truly comes down to informed consent and personal philosophy. We live in a country with much propaganda for vaccines. I was checking out at Rite Aid this week and I heard the cashiers asking all the customers if they had received the flu shot yet. If someone responded with “No,” the employee would say “our pharmacy has them and it is free with your insurance, you really need to get one so you won’t get the flu.” … and a column was born. At this time of year everyone in the family over 6 months old is encouraged to have the influenza vaccine. This recommendation is about 12 years old. Before then, only those 65 and over and very ill people were encouraged to be …
Myd Nevins
4:27 pm on Tuesday, January 8, 2013
The flu shot has always been quick and painless for me and best of all... free. more ›