Flu Information
Influenza is a serious disease and people of all ages can get it. The flu causes an average of 36,000 deaths and more than 200,000 hospitalizations each year in the United States. Symptoms include fever, headache, extreme fatigue, dry cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, and muscle aches. Influenza can lead to pneumonia, dehydration, and worsening of chronic medical conditions. People at highest risk are those over 50, children aged 6 months to 5 years, pregnant women, and people any age with chronic medical conditions, long term care facility residents, house hold contacts of high risk persons, and healthcare workers.
Individuals infected with the flu will be contagious 1 – 2 days before symptoms and up to 5 days after symptoms begin. They are very contagious and most likely will infect co-workers, family, friends, neighbors, and others in close contact.
As your healthcare provider, we care about you and your health. We are offering FREE FLU SHOTS at our VA hospital and clinics. Veterans may receive a flu shot at: any scheduled appointment and if you are admitted to our hospital for inpatient care.
Ask your health care team about a flu shot today!
