[Emailfda] FW: Flu Season Is Here: Protect Yourself and Your Loved Ones

[Fan Email Distribution List]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:                          CONTACT:

November 12, 2008                                               Angela L.
Flagg

Director of Marketing

(804) 254-5390 

Angela.Flagg at HCAHealthcare.com 

 

Flu Season Is Here: Protect Yourself and Your Loved Ones

 

(RICHMOND, VA) -   Influenza, also called flu, is a contagious respiratory
illness caused by influenza viruses.  It can cause mild to severe illness
and at times can lead to death.  The best way to prevent the flu is by
getting a flu vaccination each year.

 

With the onset of the flu season, Dr. Richard Peebles of Retreat Internal
Medicine, LLC urges nearly everyone to get vaccinated this year. According
to Dr. Peebles, for the first time, the flu vaccine is recommended for
children ages 6 months to 18 years.  Pregnant women, people 50 and older,
people who work in the healthcare industry, those with a chronic medical
condition, and people who live in nursing homes and other long term care
facilities should also get vaccinated. 

 

Dr. Peebles, who practices at Retreat Hospital, said people who live with or
care for those at high risk for complications from flu should also be
vaccinated.

 

Every year in the United States, on average, 5 to 20 percent of the
population gets the flu.  More than 200,000 are hospitalized from flu
complications, including 20,000 children; and about 36,000 die from the flu.

 

October through December is the best time to get vaccinated for the flu, but
getting vaccinated later in the flu season still provides protection, as flu
season normally peaks in January or later, according to Dr. Peebles. 

 

Flu viruses spread from person to person mainly when the infected
individuals cough or sneeze.  You may also become infected by touching an
object with flu viruses on it and then by touching your nose or mouth, said
Dr. Peebles. 

 

"In addition to getting the flu vaccine, other steps to avoid the spread of
flu and other infections include thorough and frequent hand washing," said
Dr. Peebles. "Avoid touching the eyes and nose and avoid close contact with
people who are sick. And, if at all possible stay home from work, school,
church and errands when you are sick," he said. "Stay well rested. Getting
enough sleep is essential for the immune system."

 

Flu symptoms usually start abruptly and include fever, body aches, headache,
dry cough and sore throat. If you get the flu, drink lots of fluids, rest
and take acetaminophen or ibuprofen to relieve fever and aches. 

 

Most people get better without having to see a doctor.  But, complications
such as bacterial pneumonia, ear infections, sinus infections, and
dehydration can occur.  Flu can also cause worsening of chronic medical
conditions such as congestive heart failure, asthma or diabetes.  If your
symptoms worsen or you begin to experience signs of any of these
complications, call your doctor right away.

 

For more information on programs and services or a free physician referral
at Retreat Hospital, call MedLine at 800-242-5662. If you would like an
appointment with Dr. Peebles, please call Retreat Internal Medicine, LLC at
(804) 822-3480.

 

About Retreat Hospital

Retreat Hospital, a campus of Henrico Doctors' Hospital, is located in the
city's Historic Fan District. The city's oldest hospital, Retreat is
licensed for 227 beds and offers private room accommodations at no
additional cost.  Part of the HCA Richmond Health System, Retreat Hospital
offers a unique blend of traditional, acute-care services, combined with
state-of-the-art technology, a warm and caring culture and a focus on
specialty programs.  Retreat is an accredited Chest Pain Center and operates
an accredited Community Cancer Program. Specialty programs include the Wound
Healing Center and Burn Program, the Colon and Rectal Surgery Program, the
Pelvic Floor Center, the Complex Care Program for Transitional
Rehabilitation and the Diabetes Lifestyle Center. For more information or a
free physician referral, visit HCARichmond.com and click on Retreat Hospital
or call MedLine at 800-242-5662. 

 



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