Tennova Healthcare Encourages Area Residents to Get a Flu Shot

12/7/2016

Protect yourself against influenza this holiday season

Alan Rice, M.D.	Mancel Wakham, D.O.

 KNOXVILLE, TN (December 8, 2016) – Travel and social events increase during the holidays, giving the flu virus more opportunities to spread. December 4–10 is National Influenza Vaccination Week and serves as a reminder of the importance of getting a flu shot.

Tennova Healthcare encourages area residents to get vaccinated to protect themselves and others from the flu. While the number of influenza cases across the nation is currently low, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that localized outbreaks are possible and the incidence of flu-like illness is expected to increase in the coming weeks.

“Now is the time to get vaccinated,” said Mancel Wakham, D.O., a family medicine physician with Tennova Primary Care − Harriman. “Influenza is a contagious respiratory illness, which can cause mild to severe illness. Serious cases can result in hospitalization or death. The best way to protect yourself and others from getting or spreading the flu is by getting an annual vaccine.”

“It is crucial for everyone six months and older to get vaccinated,” said Alan Rice, M.D., internal medicine physician with Tennova Primary Care − West Hills. “The flu shot is not guaranteed to prevent influenza, but it reduces the chances of contracting the virus. If you do get the flu, the shot will help minimize the symptoms. The vaccination is especially important for young children, adults over 65, and individuals with a high risk of developing serious complications.”

The flu shot is not indicated for children younger than six months old, people who have previously had a serious reaction to the flu vaccine, and those with a severe egg allergy. Individuals who have a moderate-to-severe illness, with or without a fever, should wait until they have recovered before seeking a flu shot.

“The flu vaccine cannot cause influenza, and a very small percentage of people experience serious side effects from the vaccine,” Dr. Wakham said. “Some individuals may experience mild side effects, such as soreness and redness of the injection site, low grade fever and aches. These symptoms are typically short-lived.”

In addition to getting the flu shot, there are several other steps you can take to keep the virus from spreading. “Wash your hands frequently throughout the day,” Dr. Rice said. “Keep your hands away from your face. And stay away from sick individuals. Finally, if you are ill, stay at home and give yourself time to recover,” Dr. Rice said.

For more information about flu vaccinations, or for a referral to a primary care physician, call 1-855-TENNOVA (836-6682) or visit Tennova.com.

Tennova Healthcare offers preventive, diagnostic and treatment services at Physicians Regional Medical Center, Turkey Creek Medical Center, North Knoxville Medical Center, Jefferson Memorial Hospital, Lakeway Regional Hospital, LaFollette Medical Center and Newport Medical Center. With nearly 300 primary care physicians working in collaboration with other medical specialists at multiple locations across the region, the health system is dedicated to offering quality care for every member of the family—close to home.

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