Winter is coming and so is flu season. Konza Prairie Community Health recommends up-to-date flu vaccines to help you and your loved ones stay safe and healthy.
Anyone can get a respiratory virus infection, but some people have a higher risk of getting very sick from it. Babies, pregnant people, older adults, and people with certain chronic health conditions have a higher risk of serious complications from flu. Getting a yearly flu vaccination is the best way to reduce the risk from flu and its potentially serious complications.
PREVENTION IS THE BEST TREATMENT
Vaccines are the first and safest way to build immunity from a virus. The immunity you gain from vaccination can reduce your risk of infection and becoming very sick if you do get infected. CDC recommends that everyone aged 6 months and older – with rare exceptions – should get a flu shot every year.
Call Konza to schedule a vaccine or send a message through the patient portal.
JC and Chapman: 785-238-4711
Manhattan: 785-320-7134
Whatever your healthcare needs are, Konza Prairie Community Health is here for you. If you don’t have a primary medical provider, please call us to establish care.
Q & A: Flu Vaccine
Q: When should you get your flu shot?
A: The best time is September or October, but it’s still recommended anytime during flu season.
Two groups should get vaccinated as soon as the vaccine is available:
- Pregnant women
- Children who need two doses of flu vaccine this season
Q: Is it safe for pregnant women to get a flu vaccine?
A: YES! It’s not only safe for pregnant women to get vaccinated against flu, but also super important.
Pregnant women are at high risk for flu related complications. A flu vaccine during pregnancy heals to protect baby for the first 6 months of life.
Q: When should children get vaccinated for the flu?
A: The CDC recommends that children get a flu vaccine every year in the fall, starting at 6 months old.
Children age 6 months – 8 years who are getting a flu vaccine for the first time, or who have only had one dose before, may need 2 doses.
Q: Which flu vaccines are recommended for adults age 65 years or older?
A: People 65 years and older have a higher risk of flu complications compared to younger adults.
Older adults should receive a high-dose flu vaccine.
Q: Who is at the highest risk when it comes to the flu?
A: Annual flu vaccination is especially important for:
- Adults 65 years and older
- Adults with Chronic health conditions
- Pregnant women
- Infants and Children younger than 5 years
Q: Does the flu vaccine work right away?
A: It takes 2 weeks for the flu vaccine to take full effect.
Q: Is it a cold or flu?
A: Colds usually come on gradually with mild symptoms, while the flu hits fast and hard with fever, fatigue, and body aches.
IF YOU DEVELOP SYMPTOMS
- Stay home, rest, and drink plenty of fluids
- For most viral illnesses you can return to class or work when you have been fever-free for 24 hours and symptoms are improving
IF YOU ARE FEELING SICK AND NEED HELP MANAGING SYMPTOMS
Konza Prairie Community Health Center offers walk-in medical care at our Junction City clinic.
- Prompt care for minor illness
- No appointment needed
- New patients are welcome!
MORE INFORMATION ABOUT RESPIRATORY VIRUSES…
