Flu season is upon us, and it is time to take precautions to keep yourself and your family as healthy as possible. Vaughn Pharmacy can administer your flu shot here in the pharmacy, so you don’t even have to make time to get to your doctor – it’s never been easier to protect yourself from flu. In 2018, the United States had it’s longest flu season in over a decade, lasting for over 21 weeks! This came as a surprise to the healthcare industry and has prompted recommendations to get your flu shot early this year in case history repeats itself. Typically flu season starts in October and lasts until March, but this can vary.
What is the Flu?
Flu, or influenza to give it its proper name, is a highly contagious virus. Typical symptoms include fever, headache, muscle aches, sore throat, coughs, fatigue, chills, nausea, and vomiting. The main symptoms usually last for 5 to 10 days, but patients often feel exhausted for a few weeks after other symptoms have cleared up. The virus can be spread airborne, especially when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
If you are suffering from the flu, Vaughn Pharmacy can offer help and advice to see you through the illness. The key is to stay well hydrated and to get plenty of rest. Antibiotics are not useful in fighting the flu, but you can take pain relief and decongestants to relieve the symptoms. In severe cases, an antiviral may be prescribed. This is something we can provide you with at Vaughn Pharmacy.
Who Needs to Get Vaccinated?
Many people shrug off the risk of getting flu, but the truth is the virus can be deadly. Every year thousands of people die from the flu. Ideally, unless there is a medical exclusion, everyone over the age of 6 months should have the flu vaccine. It should preferably be administered around the beginning of flu season, towards the end of September, but even getting it later can be useful. At Vaughn Pharmacy you can arrange a flu shot right here in the pharmacy making it quick and convenient to get vaccinated.
Anyone can be affected by the flu, but certain demographics are more at risk from complications if they catch it. These groups include young children, senior citizens, pregnant women, health care workers, and those suffering from a chronic illness. Since children under the age of 6 months cannot be vaccinated, they rely on the people they are in direct contact with being vaccinated instead to reduce the risk of them getting flu. This is known as herd immunity. Adults over the age of 65 are also a high-risk group and account for the majority of flu-related deaths and over half of all flu-related hospital stays. If you need any advice about flu vaccines, please don’t hesitate to stop by Vaughn Pharmacy to speak with one of our pharmacists.
Your Hometown Pharmacy Since 1966
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Vaughn Pharmacy is a local, family-owned pharmacy serving the community in Powell, TN. Specializing in providing personalized and attentive prescription programs to our patients, we believe you are more than just a number – you’re part of our family!
(865) 947-1581