Signs of fall: changing temperatures, pumpkin spice ... and respiratory illnesses
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When you
are tempted to say, “Hello, fall” plan also to say, “Hello, flu shot.” When
fall is in the air, so are influenza and other viruses.
The
2023–2024 flu season in the United States was characterized by elevated
activity. Some estimates for the season include up to 65 million flu
illnesses, 30 million flu medical visits, 830,000 flu hospitalizations and
72,000 flu deaths.
Despite this
impact, data indicates only 53.9% of U.S. children and 48.5% of U.S. adults
received a flu vaccine during the most recent flu season.
Imagine
what the flu season statistics would be if getting an annual flu shot was as
popular as pumpkin spice!
We recommend
you get the updated flu vaccine annually by the end of October to ensure the
best coverage during the peak of the flu season, which starts to ramp up in
October, peaks between December and February and fades in the spring.
Receiving the
flu shot in the fall also helps provide protection through the holidays, when people often gather and travel.
Annual flu
vaccines are especially important for those over the age of 65, who are at
greater risk of developing serious illness from the flu due to age-related changes
in immunity.
Between 70
and 85% of all flu-related deaths occur in people 65 years and older — and 50
to 70% of seasonal flu hospitalizations are in this age group.
Since
immunity from annual flu shots lasts about six months—enough to cover the peak
of the flu season—and the flu strains the shot targets each season are
different, it’s important to make your flu shot an
annual tradition.
The shots
work by stimulating your body to produce protective antibodies within about two
weeks.
Since the
flu vaccine’s first civilian use in 1945, the vaccines have been made from
dead, or inactive strains of the flu, so it’s
impossible to get sickened by the flu from vaccines.
It’s not the shot, but the creation of
antibodies that can result in some side effects, which many mistake for
flu-like symptoms. Really, any side effects, like briefly not feeling well, are
signs the vaccine is working.
Side effects
can include soreness at the injection site, headache, low fever or muscle aches. Some people have no reaction at
all. Symptoms of being sick with the flu involve fever, chills, extreme fatigue,
muscle aches and more for several days.
Getting
the vaccination can reduce the duration and severity of illness and the risk
for hospitalization from influenza.
There’s a bonus: getting vaccinated also
helps protect other people, including those who are vulnerable to health
complications from the flu, such as children, pregnant women
and people with underlying illness, like cancer, COPD, diabetes, asthma and congestive heart failure.
Potential
complications related to the flu can be pneumonia, stroke
and heart attack.
Living in independent
living, assisted living, nursing homes and other group living also puts people
at risk, because flu and other communicable diseases can spread more rapidly.
Another
vaccination recommended in the fall is for respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV,
particularly for adults aged 75 and older and for adults 60 to 74 who are at higher
risk for severe RSV.
That includes
adults with heart or lung disease, weakened immune systems such as from cancer,
or other underlying conditions including severe obesity and diabetes.
RSV is a
common respiratory virus that causes mild, cold-like symptoms. It can be
dangerous for some infants and young children, as well as older adults. Symptoms
of severe RSV include: fever, severe cough,
wheezing, rapid or difficulty breathing, and bluish skin tone due to lack of
oxygen.
Like other
respiratory infections, a cough or sneeze can easily spread RSV. People are
typically contagious for up to eight days, but some people can be contagious
for as long as four weeks, even after they stop having symptoms. Older adults
only need to get an RSV shot once.
Getting
flu and RSV shots is easy—and you can get them at the same time—with many
pharmacies offering walk-in shots.
Healthcare
Network has walk-in Convenient Care open Thursday to Saturday until 7 p.m. for
preventative services, as well as diagnosis and treatment of minor illnesses.
If you haven’t gotten your shots yet, there is still time to celebrate
fall with immunizations. Afterwards, you may even want to treat yourself for
being proactive with a pumpkin spice latte.
About the Author
Dr. Salvatore Anzalone, Vice President of Clinical Business Development at Healthcare Network, has been a board certified physician for over 35 years. Healthcare Network is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing quality healthcare that is accessible to everyone, regardless of employment, income, or insurance status. For more information about services, visit HealthcareSWFL.org or call 239-658-3000.
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Healthcare Network
Parkinsons and MS TherapyHealthcare Network is dedicated to providing high-quality, accessible healthcare to everyone in Collier County, regardless of job, income, or insurance status. Our comprehensive services include children's care, pediatric convenient care, family care, women's care, senior care, dental care, behavioral health, pharmacy, and specialty services.As Southwest Floridas premier patient-centered medical and dental home, our providers work collaboratively as a care team to deliver the highest level of coordinated care for patients of all ages. Since 1977, our private, not-for-profit model has been effective in meeting the healthcare needs of the community. We rely on philanthropic support to ensure we continue to achieve our vision of a community where every person has access to affordable and appropriate healthcare.Healthcare Network is committed to delivering culturally competent care, addressing health disparities, and supporting the overall wellness of our patients. Join us on our mission to make healthcare more accessible and to create a healthier community for all.All Locations:1265 Creekside Pkwy. #206, Naples 34108 1090 6th Ave N. Naples 34102 1845 Veterans Park Dr., Naples 34109 5450 YMCA Rd. #102, Naples 34109 6350 Davis Blvd. #1001, Naples 34104 1749 Heritage Trl. #801 Naples 34104 2355 Stanford Ct., Naples 34112 1454 Madison Ave. W., Immokalee 34142 1441 Heritage Blvd., Immokalee 34142 508 N. 9th St. #142, Immokalee 34142 12655 Collier Blvd. Naples 34116
Healthcare Network
Dementia CareAbout Healthcare NetworkHealthcare Network provides high-quality, accessible healthcare for every stage of life with specialized services tailored to help seniors maintain their health, independence, and lifestyle.Our Senior Care teams address the unique and often complex needs of adults 65+ through coordinated, compassionate healthcare that supports overall wellbeing. Our collaborative approach integrates physical, cognitive, emotional, and social needs to promote the best possible outcomes.Senior Care Services* Include: Diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic conditions Medication management Coordinated care for multiple conditions Wellness check-ups Balance and memory screening Immunizations Behavioral health counseling Dental care Infusion treatments X-ray and lab Optometry On-site pharmacy Telehealth*Services vary by locationCaring for the Whole FamilyIn addition to Senior Care, Healthcare Network provides a wide range of services for the entire family, from pediatric care and womens health to walk-in and specialty services.Since 1977, our compassionate care model has been serving the community with a unique, collaborative approach. Your personal healthcare team works together to deliver seamless, comprehensive careregardless of your insurance, income, or job status.We are committed to addressing health disparities and making healthcare more accessible, creating a healthier community for us all. Locations Throughout Collier County: Healthcare Network at Veterans Park1845 Veterans Park Dr., Naples 34109 Healthcare Network Dental Care East1749 Heritage Trl. #801, Naples 34112 Healthcare Network at Friendship Health2355 Stanford Ct., Naples 34112 Healthcare Network at Nichols Community Health Center12655 Collier Blvd., Naples 34116 Healthcare Network at Marion E. Fether Medical Center1454 Madison Ave. W., Immokalee 34142 Healthcare Network at Family Care at iTech508 N. 9th St. #142, Immokalee 34142 Healthcare Network at Community Medical Care Center125 Boston Ave., Immokalee 34142
Healthcare Network
Behavioral HealthAbout Healthcare NetworkHealthcare Network provides high-quality, accessible healthcare for every stage of life with specialized services tailored to help seniors maintain their health, independence, and lifestyle.Our Senior Care teams address the unique and often complex needs of adults 65+ through coordinated, compassionate healthcare that supports overall wellbeing. Our collaborative approach integrates physical, cognitive, emotional, and social needs to promote the best possible outcomes.Senior Care Services* Include: Diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic conditions Medication management Coordinated care for multiple conditions Wellness check-ups Balance and memory screening Immunizations Behavioral health counseling Dental care Infusion treatments X-ray and lab Optometry On-site pharmacy Telehealth*Services vary by locationCaring for the Whole FamilyIn addition to Senior Care, Healthcare Network provides a wide range of services for the entire family, from pediatric care and womens health to walk-in and specialty services.Since 1977, our compassionate care model has been serving the community with a unique, collaborative approach. Your personal healthcare team works together to deliver seamless, comprehensive careregardless of your insurance, income, or job status.We are committed to addressing health disparities and making healthcare more accessible, creating a healthier community for us all. Locations Throughout Collier County: Healthcare Network at Veterans Park1845 Veterans Park Dr., Naples 34109 Healthcare Network Dental Care East1749 Heritage Trl. #801, Naples 34112 Healthcare Network at Friendship Health2355 Stanford Ct., Naples 34112 Healthcare Network at Nichols Community Health Center12655 Collier Blvd., Naples 34116 Healthcare Network at Marion E. Fether Medical Center1454 Madison Ave. W., Immokalee 34142 Healthcare Network at Family Care at iTech508 N. 9th St. #142, Immokalee 34142 Healthcare Network at Community Medical Care Center125 Boston Ave., Immokalee 34142