TriStar Health’s CareNow Urges the Public to Get a Flu Vaccine

As we continue to fight COVID-19 getting a flu vaccine this fall is more important than ever. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, September and October are good times to be vaccinated, and experts at CareNow are encouraging Americans to get the flu vaccine early.

“An annual seasonal flu vaccine is the best way to help protect against flu,” says Dr. Robert Cranfield MD market medical director at CareNow.” It is best to be vaccinated early in fall, before flu season begins, to not only reduce your risk from flu but also to help conserve potentially scarce healthcare resources.

The contagious respiratory illness is characterized by symptoms such as fever, cough, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, and fatigue. Last year, over 40 million Americans suffered with flu. Hundreds of thousands were hospitalized and thousands died from flu or its complications, mostly in vulnerable groups like small children, elderly people and those with compromised immune systems.

“COVID-19 and the flu season are going to overlap this winter,” says market medical director Dr. Robert Cranfield MD.

“It’s really important to get ahead of this before flu season begins. Having both illnesses together could mean you have more severe symptoms.” In addition to the flu vaccine, CareNow experts also recommend taking the same hygiene measures you have been taking to avoid COVID-19. They can also help protect you from the flu:

• Wear a mask in public places
• Consistent handwashing
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
• Social distancing at least six feet away from others
• Clean and disinfect commonly used surfaces

CareNow is offering $20 flu shots for people of all ages. Learn more about safety precautions at all CareNow locations here.