Take Action to Prevent the Flu

Influenza is a potentially serious disease that can lead to complications. The virus can infect people differently. Millions of people get the flu year after year, with many being hospitalized to tens of thousands dying from flu-related cases. The flu vaccine is still the best way to protect your family against flu.

With this increase in flu activity the past few weeks, Physicians Premier, your Bryan, TX emergency room, encourages families to take preventive steps against the flu.

1. Get your family vaccinated. It is not too late to get your flu vaccine. A flu vaccination can prevent flu illnesses, missed work and school, doctor’s visits, and a host of flu-related complications.

There are a lot of vaccine options to choose from, and those who are 6 months and older should get vaccinated each year. Information on the approved flu vaccines for the influenza season 2019-2020 can be found here. 

The Centers of Disease Control and Prevention suggests that people get vaccinated before the flu season starts, usually by the end of October. If you haven’t been vaccinated yet, getting a flu shot can still be beneficial – even into January or later.

2. Observe healthy habits to stop the spread of germs. These include:

• Avoiding close contact with infected people. If you are sick, stay away (or keep your distance) from others to protect them from getting sick too.
• Always covering your mouth and nose when you sneeze or cough. The flu and other serious respiratory illnesses can be spread by sneezing, coughing, and unclean hands.
• Washing your hands regularly to protect yourself from germs. If water and soap is not readily available, use an alcohol-based sanitizer.
• Avoiding touching your nose, eyes, or mouth. Typically, germs are spread when a person touches a contaminated surface and then touches his nose, eyes, or mouth.

3. Practice other good health habits. This includes disinfecting surfaces regularly at home, most especially if a family member has flu. Manage your stress, get adequate sleep, eat nutritious food, and drink plenty of fluids.

Physicians Premier, your Bryan, TX emergency room, is always ready to treat all kinds of medical emergencies, including flu complications. If you or a family member is experiencing flu complications such as a persistent fever of 103°F or higher, pain in the abdomen or chest, trouble breathing, confusion, sudden dizziness, or persistent vomiting, seek immediate treatment at any of our facilities.