CareSouth Carolina has Flu Vaccine Available

CareSouth Carolina has Immunizations Available to Defend Against the Flu

Flu season is here and healthcare officials are recommending getting the vaccine as soon as possible. “The best defense against the flu is the vaccine,” said CareSouth Carolina Chief of Nursing Tracie Thigpen. “And the best time to get the vaccine is now. We have already had cases reported in South Carolina.”

Typically, healthcare professionals suggest getting the flu shot mid-October or early November, Thigpen explained, but because several cases have already been reported in the area, she says getting immunized is best.

The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by the influenza virus and can be transmitted through close contact with an infected person. Symptoms may include a sudden onset of fever, cough, headache or muscle aches, tiredness, sore throat and nasal congestion. The flu can cause serious infections like pneumonia. 

“It’s just now starting in South Carolina,” Thigpen said, “but other areas had reported cases in August.”

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that everyone 6 months and older get a flu vaccine every season because it can reduce flu illnesses, doctors’ visits, hospitalizations and has been shown to be life-saving.

Thigpen also advises those 65 and older get the high-dose vaccine that was recently approved.

The exact timing and duration of flu seasons varies, but flu activity often begins to increase in October, according to the CDC. Here are some facts about the flu vaccine:

• Flu vaccines are safe. Hundreds of millions of flu vaccines have been safely given to Americans for more than 50 years.
• Vaccination helps protect women during and after pregnancy. Flu vaccination during pregnancy also helps protects babies from flu for the first several months after birth when they are too young to be vaccinated.
• Flu vaccination can lower the risk of serious outcomes from heart disease and diabetes.
• Getting vaccinated yourself may also protect people around you, including those who are more vulnerable to serious flu illness.
• While some people who get vaccinated do still get sick, there is a growing amount of data showing that vaccination makes illness less severe, helping to prevent serious outcomes.

 

To schedule your flu shot contact our office at 843-309-8301.