Health Watch is a Public Service of the Office of News and Publications and is intended to provide general information only and should not replace the advice of a medical professional. You should contact your physician if you have questions about any of these topics.
This week on Health Watch, we’re talking about health issues that arise in the fall. Believe it or not, flu season is just around the corner. Dr. James Luby, an infectious disease expert at UT Southwestern Medical Center, says now’s the time to get your flu shot in order to have full protection when flu season begins in December. It generally takes a couple of weeks after you get the shot before you have full protection against the flu.
Experts recommend that young children and older adults be vaccinated against the flu, since they’re most at risk for serious illness or complications. Other high-risk people include pregnant women and those with chronic health conditions. Vaccination can help prevent the flu or reduce its severity, as well as helping prevent complications such as pneumonia. The government anticipates no shortage of vaccine this year, so don’t hesitate to get a flu shot.
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October 2007
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