FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Paige Thomason
Director of Marketing & Communications, TFHS
pthomason@tfhd.com
(530) 582-6290
IT’S NOT TOO LATE TO GET A FLU SHOT
Flu Shots are Best Flu Prevention and Still Available at Tahoe Forest Hospital and Incline Village Community Hospital (www.tfhd.com)
(Truckee, CA, January 29, 2018) Influenza continues to be widespread across the U.S. In California and Nevada, including our community. Influenza A (H3N2 strain) viruses are predominant. It is especially hard on children and older adults. Flu activity, including hospitalizations, is still above expected levels in California. CDC still recommends flu vaccinations for this season. It is still the best way to prevent or lessen flu. The current flu strain in circulation (influenza A – H3N2) is especially deadly to children, older adults, and people with underlying medical conditions. CDC estimates that this year vaccinated people developed about 30% immunity to the influenza A H3N2 strain. This year, flu peaked very early, so there is a chance for another peak later in the season. It could be a different flu strain. The current vaccine covers two influenza A strains and two influenza B strains.
It’s not too late to get vaccinated!
- Flu season is not over until end of April
- Other flu strains may pop up later in the season
- If you get flu, your signs and symptoms are less severe if you’ve had flu vaccine
How can you tell the difference between a cold and the flu?
Because colds and flu share many symptoms, it can be difficult (or even impossible) to tell the difference between them based on symptoms alone. Special tests that usually must be done within the first few days of illness can tell if a person has the flu. If ill and suspect flu, seek care early (especially important for children and older adults).
What are the symptoms of the flu versus the symptoms of a cold?
The symptoms of flu can include fever or feeling feverish/chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches and fatigue (tiredness). Cold symptoms are usually milder than the symptoms of flu. People with colds are more likely to have a runny or stuffy nose. Colds generally do not result in serious health problems.
How can you help avoid the spread of infection?
Stay home if you are ill for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone. Clean your hands by washing them or using alcohol gel/foam. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth—germs spread this way. Cover your mouth and nose with tissue when sneezing or coughing. Routinely disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces like keyboards, doorknobs, phones, etc.
Flu shots are available in Truckee at the Tahoe Forest Pharmacy, 10956 Donner Pass Road, located in the Medical Office Building, Monday through Friday, 9 am to 6 pm, Saturday, 9 am – 4 pm. For more information, please call (530) 587-7607.
In Incline Village, you can get a flu shot at the Incline Village Community Hospital Emergency Room, 880 Alder Avenue, Monday through Friday, 9 am to 5 pm. For more information, please call (775) 888-4201.
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About Tahoe Forest Health System
Tahoe Forest Health System, which includes Tahoe Forest Hospital in Truckee, CA, and Incline Village Community Hospital in Incline Village, NV, offers 24-hour emergency care, a total joint orthopedic program including direct anterior hip replacement surgery, physician multi-specialty clinics, OB department, and CoC-accredited cancer center. With a strong focus on high quality patient care, community collaboration, clinical excellence and innovation, Tahoe Forest Health System is a UC Davis Rural Center of Excellence. For a complete list of physician specialties and services, visit www.tfhd.com.
