Nov. 24, 2014
Over
the river and through the woods, to gather — and potentially share flu bugs
with relatives — we go! The physicians of the Texas Medical Association (TMA)
remind everyone to get a flu shot now before you get close to loved ones for
Thanksgiving and the holiday season.
“During
the holidays, the flu can easily be transmitted to family, friends, and fellow
travelers. Now is the ideal time to get vaccinated to minimize one’s risk for
getting and spreading the flu,” said Edward A. Dominguez, MD, a member of TMA’s
Be Wise—ImmunizeSM physician advisory
panel.
Getting
the shot can protect you and others. “Although someone might only have a mild
case of the flu, he or she could transmit the virus to more susceptible people,
such as infants and the elderly, and make them very sick,” said Dr. Dominguez. “One
benefit of vaccines like the flu vaccine is they protect the recipient plus
those with whom he or she comes in contact.”
Don’t like sharp needles? There are several ways to receive
the flu vaccine, some without the needle’s sharp poke. Most flu vaccines are
given by the well-known shot, though you also might be able to get it by jet
injector (a pressurized needle-less shot), or a small needle just under your
skin (rather than in the muscle), or by nasal spray. The best bet is to ask your doctor about your options.
“The
flu virus is dangerous and kills thousands of people every year. A flu
vaccination is one of the safest, best ways to prevent it,” said Dr. Dominguez.
So TMA
works to ensure as many people can get the flu shot as possible. TMA’s Be Wise — Immunize Local Impact Grants program helps local groups provide free or low-cost flu shots for
people in their communities who are uninsured or underinsured, or who face
other obstacles. TMA has awarded 32 grants totaling more than $50,000 since launching
this local grants program. Half of the grants funded flu vaccinations in Texas.
While
shots help prevent the flu, Dr. Dominguez also reminds everyone to cover their
mouths when coughing or sneezing, and to wash their hands frequently.
“Although
the flu is a respiratory virus, we have learned that it can be spread easily by
the hands. Simple prevention like hand washing can be very effective in
decreasing transmission,” he said.
TMA is the largest state medical society in the nation, representing
more than 48,000 physician and medical student members. It is located in Austin
and has 110 component county medical societies around the state. TMA’s key
objective since 1853 is to improve the health of all Texans.
TMA actively works to improve immunization rates in Texas through its
Be Wise — Immunize program with local vaccination events and by educating
people about the importance of vaccination. More than 275,000 shots have been
given to Texas children, adolescents, and adults through the Be Wise program
since 2004.
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Be Wise — Immunize is a service
mark of the Texas Medical Association.
Contact: Pam Udall
phone: (512) 370-1382
cell: (512) 413-6807
|
Brent Annear
phone: (512) 370-1381
cell: (512) 656-7320
|
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