According to the CDC, Louisiana is among the top seven states with high flu activity. They singled the Bayou state out as having VERY High activity. State health officer, Dr. Joe Kanter says Louisiana often leads the nation’s flu cases…
“Last week in Louisiana we had 5,500 hospitalizations and about 400 deaths. Many of those could have been prevented through more people getting the flu vaccine.”
Kanter encourages everyone over six months of age to protect themselves with the flu vaccine, especially older adults and anyone who is immunocompromised. Kanter says they are safe and you should get the shot before the holidays. He says they are available and affordable typically with no co-pay…
“If anyone that does not have health insurance or is underinsured they can get the flu vaccine at a parish health unit.”
Kanter says Flu seasons are unpredictable, often with more than one peak. Hospitals are very busy at this time of year and not where you want to be. Prevention is best but if you do get the flu, Kanter says for your health and the health of others, Stay home…
“You want to get lots of rest, drink lots of fluids. If you can’t keep fluids down, that is a warning sign that it is time to go in to the hospital.”
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