If you haven’t received the influenza vaccine this year, you can still receive either the flu shot or FluMist at the Atlantic Medical Center. Influenza vaccines are available Monday through Friday, from 8:30 to 4:30 pm and Saturday from 8:30 to 11:30 am. There is no need to make an appointment, and most insurance providers cover the cost of the vaccine.

The two best ways to protect yourself and those around you from influenza are to get vaccinated and to practice good hand washing. Getting vaccinated not only protects you, but also those around you who may be too young (under 6 months) or have a medical condition that prevents them from being vaccinated.

The seasonal flu (influenza) is a serious disease caused by the Influenza virus. Some common symptoms of the flu are fever, cough, shaking chills, body aches, and extreme weakness. The influenza disease may last for a couple of weeks.

Ways to help protect yourself from Influenza:
 Avoid close contact with sick people.
 Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
 Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
 Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with germs like the flu.
If you are sick with flu-like illness, the CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. (Your fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.) While sick, be sure to practice the three c’s: contain your germs by limiting contact with others as much as possible, cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, and clean your hands.

For more information, please contact the Atlantic Medical Center Immunization Nurses at 712-243-2850.