A Simple Way to Keep the Flu Away

Category: Living Well, Primary Care
Posted On: Nov 13, 2019
Written By: Dr. Eric Fernandez

Did you know that the flu starts abruptly with fever, muscle aches, sore throat, and a cough? You can prevent the flu this season by taking one simple step: Get a flu vaccine. The CDC recommends everyone 6 months and older get vaccinated, including pregnant women.

The flu, also called seasonal influenza, is caused by one of several strains of the flu virus (type A or B) that infect the nose, throat, and lungs. The flu makes life miserable for a week or two for many people, and unfortunately, can be deadly for some. Flu season can start as early as October and it peaks anywhere from late December to early April.

Unfortunately, some people think that getting a flu vaccine is too much trouble, it will cost too much, or the flu shot will make them sick and more likely to catch the flu, but that’s not the case. Here are some simple prevention tips to avoid the flu this season:

Simple prevention tips:

Your best defense against the flu is to get vaccinated.
Wash your hands before eating.
Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water.
Don’t put your hands near your face or in your mouth.
If soap and water aren’t available, rub your hands with an alcohol-based hand cleaner.
If someone in your family has the flu, you can help prevent it from spreading by cleaning surfaces with a solution of 1 part bleach to 10 parts water.

Talk with your healthcare provider about getting the flu shot. Call 504-349-6824 today to schedule your flu vaccine appointment, or stop by one of our six convenient primary care locations. Appointments aren’t required, but same-day and next-day appointments are available. Walk-ins are welcomed.

If you're feeling the symptoms of the flu, our Emergency Room is here to care for you, day or night, 24/7.

About Dr. Fernandez:

Dr. Fernandez specializes in family medicine. He graduated from the Universidad Central del Caribe School of Medicine in 2016. He completed his medical residency at Cook County Family Medicine Residency Program in 2019, and is certified by the American Board of Family Medicine. Dr. Fernandez is bilingual and speaks Spanish and English. His little something extra is his personal mantra, "Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success."