Lexington VA Medical Center

Getting a yearly flu shot is one of the most important ways to protect yourself and your loved ones from influenza.  "The flu vaccine is made differently each year," explains DeWayne Hamlin, Medical Center Director.  "Scientists take three viruses, which have been inactivated and that may circulate that flu season, and make them into the vaccine.  Because the viruses are inactivated, getting a flu shot will not give you the flu, but getting a yearly flu shot will protect you from those live viruses circulating that flu season.  And, while getting a flu shot won’t prevent you from getting the flu, it can reduce the flu’s severity should you become infected with the virus." 

"Stopping the spread of germs is another important action you can take to protect yourself and your loved ones," says Hamlin.  You will be less likely to give or get the flu by following these simple rules:

• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue
• Wash your hands often with soap and water or alcohol-based sanitizer
• If you are sick – stay home
• If you are sick – avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth since germs can spread this way (unless you’ve washed your hands!)

If you do get the flu, there are antiviral drugs that can help. These prescription drugs should be started within 48 hours of getting sick. 

Flu symptoms include a fever (usually high), headache, extreme tiredness, dry cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose and muscle aches.  If you get any of these symptoms, call your VA heathcare provider right away. For more information about flu shots, call Telephone Care at:

888-824-3577
Monday—Friday
8:00A—4:30P
 
877-291-5311
All other times