MYRTLE BEACH, SC (WBTW) – Neal Lilly, a physician assistant at Tidelands Waccamaw Community Care, joined News13 NOW on Friday to talk about the flu season.
The Centers for Disease Control reports approximately 200,000 people are hospitalized with the flu nationwide each year – costing $10 billion in direct medical spending.
Lilly suggested now is the time to get a flu shot. It is not too late to be ready for the season. Watch the video for full details from the interview. It included these other facts to consider:
- You cannot get the flu from the flu vaccine. The vaccine is an inactivated strain of the virus.
- It is possible to catch the flu, even after a vaccination, but it is rare. The vaccines are formulated each year for the most expected strain of the flu, but occassionally people can catch a different strain than vaccine would prevent.
- Good hygiene can also help prevent the flu. Regular hand washing and avoid sick people are two keys to avoiding infection.
- Anyone who has the flu with a fever of 104 or above with muscle aches should consider visiting a doctor.
- Medication can be helpful in treating the flu, but only if the medication begins within the first 48 hours of symptoms. After two days, only the symptoms of the flu can be treated.
- Staying hydrated is important if you have the flu.
Viewers on the News13 App can watch the video here.
