Preventing the Flu

flu Flu Shots

Because influenza viruses are constantly changing, an annual flu vaccination is recommended as protection against the flu. The vaccine is available now at Eugene and Thurston Urgent Care and will be throughout the flu season, which runs from August to May. It takes about two weeks for the vaccine to work, and your protection will last throughout the flu season.

This vaccine is given as an injection into the arm or thigh muscle. The vaccine contains an inactive or killed virus so it is not possible for someone to get the flu from the vaccine.

A single dose is recommended for most people. Children under nine receiving their first vaccine will get two doses separated by at least 4 weeks, so it's important to start now.

Flu Vaccine Side Effects

Flu vaccines are generally safe, but they can cause some problems for a few people. Some people will have minor soreness, redness, or swelling where the shot was given and occasional fever and aches. Over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help ease pain and reduce fever. Sever problems are very rare and may include difficulty breathing, hives, dizziness. It's extremely rare for this vaccine to cause serious harm or death. If the person receiving the flu shot has a serious reaction, call Eugene or Thurston Urgent Care or seek immediate medical attention.

Who Should Not Receive the Vaccination?

Those with moderate or severe illness such as a bad cold, flu or infection of the sinuses or lungs, should not get the vaccine until symptoms of the illness improve.
People with hypersensitivity or an allergy to eggs should not receive the vaccine, as it is grown in eggs.
People with history of Guillain-Barre syndrome, a rare severe paralytic illness, will not receive the vaccine.
People with hypersensitivity or an allergy to eggs should not receive the vaccine, as it is grown in eggs.
Those who previously had a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction to the vaccine or any ingredient in the vaccine should not be vaccinated.

Here are three steps you can take to reduce or prevent you and your loved ones from the adverse effects of the flu this season:

Step #1 – Take the time to get vaccinated. The single best way to protect yourself and others is to get a flu vaccination each year.

Step #2 – Take everyday preventative precautions. Wash your hands regularly and frequently with soap and water. Alcohol based hand sanitizers are also effective in reducing the spread of germs. Use disinfectants to routinely clean repeatedly touched surfaces, like doorknobs, keyboards and telephones. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. These are places where the flu virus commonly enters your body.

Step #3 – Take anti-viral drugs if recommended by your health care provider. Antiviral drugs require a prescription and are different from antibiotics. If you get the flu, antiviral drugs can make your illness milder and make you feel better faster. Antiviral drugs work best if started within the first 2 days of symptoms. They may also prevent serious flu complications.

About the Eugene Urgent Care: Eugene Urgent Care was founded by an independent alliance of Eugene-Springfield Emergency physicians and other specialty practitioners with the aim of providing affordable, accessible care to the people of Eugene-Springfield and the surrounding communities. The physicians and providers working at Eugene Urgent Care have experience working in Emergency Departments and Family Practice. They have been providing medical care to the people of Lane County for over 25 years.

Eugene Urgent Care provides a wide spectrum of services. The public can come without an appointment to get flu shots, stitches, treatment for a cough or sore throat, or even a broken bone for a fraction of what they would pay for a trip to the emergency room and without waiting.