Centra Care physicians are reporting a huge increase in Influenza cases. Last week 216 patients were diagnosed with influenza at Centra Care Urgent Care, compared with four weeks ago which saw just 28 flu patients during the week. All cases were confirmed as the influenza virus using a rapid influenza test, in which a nasal swab of a patient is taken and tested for the virus. Centra Care is part of Florida’s Influenza Surveillance System.
The CDC reports that five states have reached “widespread” flu outbreaks. As Central Floridians head back to school and work after the holiday break, Centra Care physicians warn that the current Influenza outbreak will likely get worse over the next couple weeks.
Influenza symptoms often mimic those of a cold, but unlike a cold, the flu can be extremely dangerous. Typical Influenza symptoms include Muscle aches, Fever, Headache, Cough, and lethargy. A flu shot is the single best protection against the flu. Centra Care physicians advise the public to:
Catch Symptoms Early – If you suspect you have the flu, its duration can be shortened considerably with antiviral medicine. Centra Care physicians have the rapid Influenza test at each center – so they can determine if you truly have the Influenza and if you need a prescription. Anti-Influenza medications can be dispensed on-site. It’s important to understand, antiviral medication must be taken within 48 hours of the first appearance of flu symptoms.
Practice Flu Prevention– Wash your hands with soap and water frequently. Keep your hands away from your face. If you haven’t already done so – get a Flu shot immediately.
Get Your Flu Shot Now – Once you receive the flu shot, it takes your body about 2 weeks to reach maximum immunity. Flu season is here, but it’s not too late to get protected. Anyone who wants to reduce their chances of getting the flu should get vaccinated. Especially those who are at high risk for serious complications including:
· Young children, pregnant women, people with chronic health conditions like asthma, diabetes or heart and lung disease and people 65 years and older.
· Vaccination is also important for health care workers, and other people who live with or care for high-risk people to keep from spreading flu to high-risk people.
· Children younger than 6 months are at high risk of serious flu illness, but are too young to be vaccinated. People who care for them should be vaccinated instead.
Flu Shots for adults and children, as well as anti-viral medication are available at all Centra Care urgent care centers. For locations visit www.centracare.org or call 407-200-2273. And by scheduling an Online No Wait Reservation, at www.CentraCare.org, seeing a doctor is Fast & Easy.
Flu shots are $20. There’s no out-of-pocket cost to seniors who bring their Primary Medicare card.
