Fighting the Flu
This press release comes the Hattiesburg Clinic
HATTIESBURG, MISS. – Hattiesburg Clinic will offer walk-in flu vaccination clinics Saturday, Sept. 8, and Saturday, Sept. 15, to help the community fight the flu this season.
The walk-in vaccination clinics, which are open to the general public, will take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Imaging department on the first floor of Hattiesburg Clinic, at 415 S. 28th Ave.
Influenza, or flu, is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat and sometimes the lungs. The flu can cause mild to severe illness and can even lead to death. Complications could include pneumonia, sinus infections, ear infections and worsening chronic medical conditions, like congestive heart failure, asthma or diabetes.
The previous 2017-2018 flu season saw record-breaking flu-like illness and hospitalization rates, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), including the highest number of flu-related pediatric deaths in the past five years<https://www.cdc.gov/flu/spotlights/reported-flu-children-deaths.htm>.
“Because of last year’s high severity flu season, we want to start early this season in helping safeguard the community against flu,” said Bryan Batson, MD, a physician with Hattiesburg Clinic. “We’re strongly encouraging people to get themselves and their families vaccinated to help prevent the spread of flu.”
The CDC recommends people 6 months and older get vaccinated each year, especially those who are at a high risk of serious complications from the illness.
Those at high risk of flu-related complications include: · Children younger than 5, but especially those younger than 2 · Adults 65 and older · Pregnant women (and women up to two weeks postpartum) · Residents of nursing homes and other long-term care facilities · People with medical conditions, such as asthma, neurological disorders, lung disease, heart disease, weakened immune system, extreme obesity, etc.
In addition to the Saturday clinics, Hattiesburg Clinic will offer weekly flu vaccinations throughout the 2018-19 flu season, Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., in the Imaging department. Flu vaccinations are also available at many primary care physician offices.
To learn more about flu or how to prevent it, visit www.hattiesburgclinic.com/flu<http://www.hattiesburgclinic.com/flu>. For questions about the walk-in flu vaccination clinics, call (601) 261-1620
