At first, it’s just a feeling that creeps up on you, that achy and tired sensation. Then it hits you.the sore throat, fever and chills. You suddenly realize this horrible feeling is the flu.
Influenza, more commonly known as “the flu,” affects millions of people each year. On average, it puts 226,000 people in the hospital and it kills 36,000. Children are most susceptible, but many elderly die from this contagious disease.
There are several ways to help avoid the flu, but one of the surest methods is to get the flu vaccine. The time to vaccinate is now.
“We like to see all children between 6 months and 5 years of age receive the flu vaccine. Anyone over 50, especially the elderly, are also at risk and should be vaccinated,” said Ben Taylor, PA-C, PhD., president of the Georgia Association of Physician Assistants. “Anyone with long-term health problems or with a weakened immune system is also at risk.”
The mission of the Georgia Association of Physician Assistants is to promote high quality, cost-effective, accessible health care as part of a physician-directed PA/physician team in Georgia.
“Education is key in healthcare management. The more you know about what causes serious illnesses like the flu, the more likely you are to avoid becoming sick,” said GAPA’s Public Education chair, Devon Nobis, PA-C. “Most people associate the flu with cold weather. But the season is actually only a few weeks away, and is not affected by weather conditions. The flu virus is spread from person to person. We have more information on flu prevention, as well as other health tips, on our web site, www.gapa.net.”
Influenza, more commonly known as “the flu,” affects millions of people each year. On average, it puts 226,000 people in the hospital and it kills 36,000. Children are most susceptible, but many elderly die from this contagious disease.
There are several ways to help avoid the flu, but one of the surest methods is to get the flu vaccine. The time to vaccinate is now.
“We like to see all children between 6 months and 5 years of age receive the flu vaccine. Anyone over 50, especially the elderly, are also at risk and should be vaccinated,” said Ben Taylor, PA-C, PhD., president of the Georgia Association of Physician Assistants. “Anyone with long-term health problems or with a weakened immune system is also at risk.”
The mission of the Georgia Association of Physician Assistants is to promote high quality, cost-effective, accessible health care as part of a physician-directed PA/physician team in Georgia.
“Education is key in healthcare management. The more you know about what causes serious illnesses like the flu, the more likely you are to avoid becoming sick,” said GAPA’s Public Education chair, Devon Nobis, PA-C. “Most people associate the flu with cold weather. But the season is actually only a few weeks away, and is not affected by weather conditions. The flu virus is spread from person to person. We have more information on flu prevention, as well as other health tips, on our web site, www.gapa.net.”