The flu isn’t going anywhere. Nearly 23,700 Texas residents tested positive for the flu between October 2021 and October 2022. That’s roughly 65 residents per day.
Yet you’re not helpless against the flu. You can follow basic tips and if you are enrolled get free services from our Health Clinic to prevent cases and treat any symptoms you have. The key is that you answer a few essential questions about the flu.
When should you get a flu shot? How can you prevent swallowing or breathing in flu viruses? What are the symptoms of the flu, and how can you get tested for the flu?
Get the facts and you can have a happy and healthy flu season this year. Here is your quick guide.
Get Your Flu Shot
Anyone at least six months old should get a flu shot. You should get it at any time that is convenient for you, though the sooner you get it, the better. August was National Immunization Month, and the flu season is currently ongoing.
You can get many types of flu shots. Pharmaceutical companies create the standard-dose shot by growing the virus in eggs. If you are allergic to eggs, you can get a cell-based shot or a recombinant shot.
You can also get a nasal spray vaccine. This is a good option if you are nervous about needles or experience muscle pain after receiving a shot. However, nasal spray vaccines are not good for people who are pregnant or immunocompromised.
Avoid Touching Your Face
It takes roughly two weeks for you to develop immunity to flu viruses after receiving a flu shot. Even after you develop immunity, you can still experience a case of the flu.
You should avoid touching your face with your fingers to minimize your risk. If you must touch your face, wash your hands using hot water or after rubbing them with hand sanitizer.
Consider wearing a mask in public. Make sure the mask wraps around your nose and mouth without being too tight against your face.
Be Aware of Flu Symptoms
Flu symptoms can be confusing or hard to notice. Every person who has the flu has different symptoms, but some people experience a fever, cough, and sore throat. Some people have runny noses and others have physical pain, including headaches.
These symptoms overlap with the common cold and COVID-19. To see if you have the flu, you should get a rapid influenza diagnostic test (RIDT). Enrolled patients can get one of these tests at our Health Clinic.
Enroll Now to Get Help From Arthur Nagel Community Clinic in Bandera, TX
Don’t let the flu scare you. Get a flu shot as soon as possible, and find a vaccine you’re comfortable with taking. Do not touch your face after touching dirty objects and wear a mask when you leave your home.
Flu symptoms include a fever, runny nose, and a headache. Get an RIDT if you have these symptoms, but don’t panic if you test positive. Most cases of the flu pass within a few days.
If you need help, you can get services from our Health Clinic. The Arthur Nagel Community Clinic provides no-cost health care to low-income Bandera County residents who have enrolled with our Clinic. Contact us today.