CHRISTOPHER J. BRETZ, M.D., DABMA

Now's the time to get your flu shot !

 Who should get it?

*  All children from 6 months to 18 years.

*  Anyone 50 years of age or older.

*  Anyone who is at risk of complications from influenza.

*  Anyone with long-term health problems, like:

• heart disease
• lung disease
• asthma
• kidney disease
• metabolic disease (including diabetes!)
• liver disease
• anemia and other blood disorders

*  Anyone with a weakened immune system due to HIV/AIDS, long-term treatment with steroids, history of cancer treatment with x-rays or drugs.

*  Anyone with certain muscle or nerve disorders, such as seizure disorders or cerebral palsy.

*  Residents of long-term care facilities such as nursing homes and chronic-care centers.

*  Anyone who cares for or lives with people at high risk for flu complications.

• Health care providers
• Household contacts and caregivers of children.

*  Anyone who wants to reduce the risk of becoming ill with the flu or spreading it to others.

 *  And . . .  

YOU !!

COST ?? . . .  Most insurances pay for it but even if they don't, it's cheap compared to the cost of getting the flu.  Consider time off work, the misery of being sick, the cost of medications, and a trip to see the doctor and the cost of a flu vaccine sounds like a good investment.

SYMPTOMS:

*  Fever

*  Cough

*  Sore throat

*  Headache

*  Chills

*  Muscle aches

*  Fatigue   

Did you know ??

• Some people get very sick from the flu?         
• 226,000 people are hospitalized every year because of the flu?                              
• 36,000 people die every year due to the flu?

Shoo the flu!!