FLU SEASON MEANS MORE THAN FLU
Bacteria and viruses can spread easily
Fairfax, VA – The feeling is familiar: you’re going about your busy day when you suddenly feel aches and a fever. Or, your children come home from school and say they don’t feel good. Is it the flu? Maybe it’s a cold, strep throat, or something else? It may be tough for you to know because many illnesses can show the same symptoms.
Seasonal flu activity is low across Virginia right now, but people are reporting flu-like symptoms. Bacterial infections can be spread through the air, by sharing food or drinks, or by touching a contaminated surface and then touching your nose, eyes, or mouth. Do not wait for your symptoms to worsen. See your health care provider for the proper diagnosis and treatment.
To reduce your risk of infection:
• Wash your hands often, especially after coughing, sneezing, and wiping or blowing your nose.
• Use paper tissues when wiping or blowing your nose.
• Cough into a tissue or the inside of your elbow instead of into your bare hand.
• Avoid touching your nose, mouth, and eyes. Germs enter the body through these openings.
• Get a flu shot. Fast Track Flu Shots are available at Patient First with little or no wait.
About Patient First
Patient First currently operates 55 centers in Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania. It opened its first facility in Richmond, Virginia in 1981 and developed many automation-based operating systems and practices that were considered innovative at the time and which have been continually improved to meet the needs of today’s patients.
