SOUTH TEXAS HEALTH SYSTEM IS HIGHLIGHTING THE BENEFITS OF THE FLU VACCINE AS THE INFLUENZA SEASON RAMPS UP
With a billion influenza cases reported globally each year, health experts are reminding the public that getting the flu shot is the best way to prevent influenza from spreading
The fall and winter seasons are an exciting time of year as Rio Grande Valley residents prepare to celebrate the holidays, spend quality time with loved ones and enjoy a slight break from the scorching temperatures.
But October through January is considered the peak season for the flu, a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat and lungs.
Flu viruses spread mainly by tiny droplets when people with the illness cough, sneeze, talk or even sing, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Influenza can also be contracted by a person touching an infected surface then putting that same hand up to their eyes, nose or mouth.
The onset of flu symptoms usually happens suddenly and can include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headaches and fatigue.
Influenza can cause mild to severe illness, even death. Complications from influenza can include bacterial pneumonia, ear infections, sinus infections and worsening of chronic medical conditions like congestive heart failure, asthma or diabetes. Globally, one billion cases of influenza are reported each year, according to the World Health Organization, with three to five million of those cases being severe.
Anyone can get the flu and serious problems related to the flu can happen at any age, per the CDC, but some people are at higher risk of developing serious flu related complications if they get sick. This includes people 65 years and older, people of any age with certain chronic medical conditions, pregnant women and children under the age of five.
There are several ways to prevent the flu, like proper handwashing, staying home when sick and wearing a mask, but the most important step in prevention is to get the annual flu vaccine, which been shown to reduce flu-related illnesses and the risk of serious complications that can result in hospitalization or death.
A 2021 study conducted shows among adults hospitalized with the flu, vaccinated patients had a 26% lower risk of being admitted into the ICU and a 31% less risk of death from the flu.
Safe and effective vaccines have been used for more than 60 years. Immunity from vaccination goes away over time, so getting the flu shot annually is recommended, especially since vaccines are updated routinely with new one developed that contain viruses matching those circulating.
Everyone six months and older, with rare exceptions, should get a flu shot every year. South Texas Health System recommends that everyone get a flu shot that’s appropriate for their age and health status. STHS Clinics offers the flu shot at its family medicine clinics throughout the Rio Grande Valley. To find a location near you, visit STHSClinics.com/locations.
About South Texas Health System
South Texas Health System is a multi-facility healthcare system serving patients throughout the Rio Grande Valley. The system includes four acute care facility campuses with specialties in pediatrics, heart and vascular services, maternity and women’s health and trauma services. Inpatient and outpatient treatment for behavioral health needs and addictive disorders is also provided through the system's South Texas Health System Behavioral facility. South Texas Health System is affiliated with the South Texas Clinical Partners ACO, Prominence Health Plan, and Cornerstone Regional Hospital. The system operates an advanced Level I Trauma Center at South Texas Health System McAllen, the first and only freestanding children’s facility and pediatric ER at South Texas Health System Children’s, the region’s only freestanding heart hospital and specialized cardiac ER at South Texas Health System Heart, and six freestanding emergency rooms located in and around Weslaco, Mission, Edinburg, McAllen and Alamo. For more information about the system and its comprehensive services, please visit www.southtexashealthsystem.com.
