Parkland experts say to avoid catching the flu, get vaccinated today

Posted: 1/24/2020

While most of us welcome the cool air of autumn, one thing about the season we would all like to avoid is the flu virus. Infectious disease specialists at Parkland Health & Hospital System say now is the time to think about protecting yourself from getting the flu.

Health experts stress the most important defense against influenza is getting vaccinated every year. The vaccine can reduce flu illnesses, doctors’ visits, time away from work and school, and prevent serious flu-related hospitalizations. According to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the 2017-2018 flu season was the most severe in a decade. While only moderate in severity, the 2018-2019 season was record-breaking in duration, with flu activity remaining elevated for 21 weeks.

National Infection Prevention Week, observed Oct. 13-19, is a good reminder that each of us —patients, families and healthcare personnel — has an important role to play in preventing the spread of infections.

“We urge everyone to get vaccinated early in the flu season to help build immunity to the virus, which is already appearing in Texas,” said Trish Perl, MD, Interim Chief of Infection Prevention at Parkland and Professor of Infectious Diseases at UT Southwestern Medical Center. “Influenza can be a serious illness, especially for the very young and for older adults.”

Dr. Perl added that the flu vaccine will not make you sick with the flu. “That’s a myth,” she said. “After receiving the vaccine some patients may experience symptoms like low-grade fever, but the symptoms usually go away within a day or two.”

The flu season, which generally starts in October, continues into March and even later.
People at high risk of serious flu complications include young children, pregnant women, people with chronic health conditions like asthma, diabetes or heart and lung disease and people 65 years and older.

As part of the Walk-In Wednesday’s campaign, Parkland’s Community Oriented Primary Care health centers (COPCs) are now offering flu vaccines. Dallas County residents can get their flu shot without having to make an appointment from 9 a.m. to noon and from 1 to 4 p.m. every Wednesday throughout the fall and winter months.

In addition to getting vaccinated, Parkland physicians recommend following these tips to reduce the risk of catching the flu:

• Keep your distance from others who are sick.
• Stay home when you are sick so that you don’t pass the virus to others.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing to help keep from spreading germs.
• Clean your hands often using soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
• Practice good health habits. Get plenty of sleep, exercise, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids and eat nutritious food.

Parkland accepts insurance, including Medicaid/Chip and Medicare. All children will be
assessed to determine if they are eligible for the Texas Vaccines for Children's immunization
program. Patients who are enrolled in the Parkland Financial Assistance (PFA) program can get
their vaccines covered at no or low cost. PFA members will be responsible for their payment
dependent on the PFA level. For persons without health insurance, Parkland can provide
financial screening.

To find the Parkland COPC nearest you, visit www.parklandhospital.com/locations

To learn more about Parkland services, visit www.parklandhospital.com