It’s time for seasonal flu shots in KC!

As you may know, one of our longtime advertising partners is Kansas City Allergy & Asthma Associates.  We are fortunate that the the physicians agreed to be guest authors of several posts that would be of particular interest to our readers with young families. This one addresses seasonal flu.

There are many places around town where you can receive the flu vaccine. Your family physician and pediatrician should both have supplies.  You can also go to many grocery stores (Hy Vee, Hen House, Target, Wal Mart) and pharmacies (Walgreens, CVS) where a shot will cost between $25-$30. Asthma (and allergies) happens to be something I think about daily at my house.  My son is a severe asthmatic, and I am constantly aware of the weather, the health of other kids at school and his activities (amongst other things!) Something like the flu would be a major setback for him.

Flu shots are widely available now, and like last year’s, 2011’s dose has combined the seasonal vaccine with the H1N1 vaccine. Be well!

PREVENTING THE FLU: Good Health Habits Can Help Stop Germs

The single best way to prevent seasonal flu is to get vaccinated each year, but good health habits like covering your cough and washing your hands often can help stop the spread of germs and prevent respiratory illnesses like the flu. There also are flu antiviral drugs that can be used to treat and prevent the flu.

Here are some helpful tips from the CDC:

1.  Avoid close contact. Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.

2.  Stay home when you are sick. If possible, stay home from work, school and errands when you are sick. You will help prevent others from catching your illness.

3.  Cover your mouth and nose. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue (0r with the inside of your elbow) when coughing and sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick.

4.  Clean your hands. Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs.

5.  Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose or mouth.

6.  Practice other good health habits. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.

Content source: From the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention

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KCAA now has regular seasonal flu vaccines available as of Oct. 1, 2011. Current patients who have seen their physician in the last year may get their regular seasonal Flu Vaccine on a walk-in basis at any of their allergy injection clinics (except Saturdays), or at their next scheduled fall visit.

Other Helpful websites: (Links also at: www.kcallergy.com)

http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/preventing.htm – http://www.kcmo.org/CKCMO/Depts/Health/Generalinformationoninfluenzaorflu/index.htm

KCAA Physicians: Gerald L. Goldstein, M.D.; Scott J. Frankel, M.D.; Jeffrey A. Wald, M.D.; Mark R. Neustrom, D.O.; and Derrick R. Ward, M.D.

KCAA Physician Assistants and Nurse Practioner: Monica Apollo, P.A.-C; Loretta Heinen, M.S., P.A.-C; Kristy Mohn, M.S., ARNP