The 2017-18 Flu Season Was Record Breaking
Last year’s flu season came early, lasted longer than usual, and hit harder than usual. Records for flu-related deaths (approximately 80,000 people) and hospitalizations in the U.S. were set, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
Sadly, it was also a record-breaking year for the number of flu-related pediatric deaths. The CDC reported “the highest number of flu-associated deaths in children reported during a regular flu season.” The report also showed that “about 80% of these deaths occurred in children who had not received a flu vaccination.”
These statistics are a stark reminder of why it’s important to receive the flu vaccine every year. Getting vaccinated provides you with the best chance of avoiding the flu. And even if you do still get sick after being vaccinated, your illness will be much less severe. A study published just last month in the journal Vaccine showed that flu vaccination reduced the risk of being admitted to an ICU with flu by 82%.
Who should – and shouldn’t – receive the flu vaccine?
The CDC recommends that everyone six months of age and older get vaccinated against the flu each year. The only exception to this is:
- people who’ve had a severe allergic reaction to the vaccine in the past
- who are known to have a severe allergy to any of the vaccine’s components
For those who have an egg allergy, it’s important to note that an egg-free flu vaccine is available for people ages 18 and older. You can find out more information about the flu shot at https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/vis/vis-statements/flu.html
When is the best time to get vaccinated for the flu?
It’s best to be vaccinated against the flu as early as possible each flu season. If the flu season hits early and hard (as it did last year), you’ll be protected. The CDC recommends getting vaccinated by the end of October, as flu typically begins to spread beginning in November.
Where can you get the flu Omaha vaccine?
You can visit your primary care provider for a flu shot. If you don’t have a primary care provider or can’t get an appointment that’s convenient for you, you can get the flu vaccine at any of our urgent care network locations. We are open 365 days a year, and no appointment is necessary.
Urgent Care Walk-In Clinics in Omaha and Bellevue, NE
Our staff works to provide prompt, personal, and professional care for all of our patients. We try to make sure everyone gets the attention they need in as quick a time as possible. Urgent Care Network of Omaha has three locations in the Omaha metropolitan area. Our three clinics are:
Our staff is here every day of the week to assist with your urgent care needs. You probably won’t need urgent care today, but when you do need medical attention, count on the Urgent Care Network of Omaha clinic near you to provide quality care and convenience.
Disclaimer
The information contained on this webpage is for educational purposes as well as to provide general information and general understanding of the pertinent medical issue only, not to provide a specific diagnosis. This information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. By using this blog/web site you understand there is no doctor patient relationship between you and the blog/web site publisher. The information included on this site should not be used as a substitute for medical advice from a licensed medical professional in your state. Neither Urgent Care Network, its subsidiaries, affiliates, assignees or successors in interest, nor any other party assume liability for loss or damage due to reliance on content of this blog/web site. If you are experiencing a severe medical issue, you should seek emergency assistance immediately.
