Be a Healthy InFLUence. Get Your SHOT Today.
As the temperatures drop and winter approaches, so does flu season. The influenza virus becomes more active during colder months, making it essential for everyone to take preventive measures to stay healthy.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), flu activity is expected to increase nationally throughout the winter months. While the number of flu cases is currently low, it is important to take preventative measures now before those numbers begin to rise.
The most effective way to protect yourself from the flu is by getting vaccinated. The CDC recommends annual flu shots for individuals six months and older. The vaccine not only helps prevent the flu but also reduces the severity of symptoms if you do get infected.
The decision to get a flu shot doesn’t just protect you – it extends to those around you, especially those who may be more susceptible to severe complications, such as the elderly or people with compromised immune systems. By getting vaccinated, you contribute to creating a community shield that safeguards not only your health but the health of your loved ones, colleagues and friends.
Megumi “Meg” D. Boone, MD, a physician with Hattiesburg Clinic Family Clinic of Seminary, stressed how important it is for everyone to get vaccinated.
“Getting a flu shot isn’t just about protecting yourself; it’s about safeguarding those around you. By getting vaccinated, you’re not only taking care of your own well-being but also helping to prevent the spread of illness within our communities,” Dr. Boone said.
In addition to vaccination, adopting preventive measures is crucial for preventing the flu. Good hygiene practices, such as regular handwashing, covering coughs and sneezes and avoiding close contact with sick individuals, can go a long way in reducing transmission.
Flu season is an annual occurrence that requires vigilance and proactive measures to protect ourselves and our communities. By staying informed, practicing good hygiene and getting vaccinated, we can collectively reduce the impact of the flu and create a healthier, happier winter for everyone.
As a convenience to our patients, Hattiesburg Clinic offers flu shots Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., on the first floor of the main clinic, located at 415 S. 28th Ave., in Hattiesburg. Flu shots are available to the general public at this location throughout the 2023-24 flu season for those five years of age and older.
Flu shots are also available at Hattiesburg Clinic primary care and urgent care locations.
To learn more about flu, visit www.hattiesburgclinic.com/flu or talk to your primary care physician.
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About Hattiesburg Clinic:
Hattiesburg Clinic is Mississippi’s largest privately-owned, multispecialty clinic. More than 60 years after its beginning, the clinic has grown to over 450 physicians and providers, caring for patients in more than 17 counties in South Mississippi. Along with over 2,500 professional staff employees, these physicians and providers come together for a common purpose, to serve the over 500,000 community members who live and work in South Mississippi every day.
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