It’s Not too Late to be Vaccinated

Despite an early jump start to this year’s flu season, it’s not too late to receive a flu vaccine. Getting a flu vaccine is the first and most important step in protecting against this serious disease.

The CDC recommends that everyone who is at least 6 months of age receive a flu shot this year. People who are especially vulnerable to influenza include those with asthma, diabetes and chronic lung disease, pregnant women and people 65 years and older. Caregivers can also be at a high risk for catching the flu.

People should typically be vaccinated against the flu as soon as the vaccine becomes available; however, it is not too late to be vaccinated. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has said that this year's flu season is expected to be one of the worst the country has seen in 10 years.

“We’re seeing a high rate of the flu this year, and we strongly encourage people to get vaccinated now,” said Dr. Amy Schochler, board certified Family Practitioner at Memorial Clinics. “No one likes to be sick, and the flu is nothing to ignore. Early immunization is the most effective, but it is not too late to get the vaccine in December, January, or beyond.”

It takes about two weeks after vaccination for antibodies to develop in the body and provide protection against the flu.

Flu symptoms include:

• Fever (100°F or greater)
• Muscle aches
• Chills
• Extreme fatigue
• Headache
• Sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Chest discomfort or cough

To receive a flu shot, please contact Dr. Schochler’s office at 936-631-6771. Her office hours are Monday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (closed from Noon to 1 p.m.); and Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. She is located at 1105 West Frank Street, Suite 290 inside Memorial’s Medical Arts Pavilion.