Dr. Michael F. Potnek, DNP
Outreach Community Health Centers
What is “the flu”
The “flu”, or influenza, is a contagious respiratory illness which infects the nose, throat, and sometimes the lungs. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death.
What are symptoms of the flu?
Symptoms include fever, chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches, and fatigue (tiredness).
How is the flu different from COVID-19?
Influenza and COVID-19 are both respiratory illnesses that cause many of the same symptoms, but are caused by different viruses. This can make it difficult to tell the difference between them without a COVID-19 or Influenza test. The biggest difference between the two, is that COVID-19 can make you lose your sense of smell or taste, something the flu rarely does.
What happens if I don’t get the flu shot?
By not getting the flu shot, you are putting yourself and those around you including family and friends at needless risk for getting the flu.
Does getting the flu shot protect me from getting COVID-19? What about other illnesses?
Yes! Getting the flu shot lowers the risk of you getting the flu and having to go to the emergency room or Urgent Care clinic where people sick with COVID-19 will likely be. Getting the flu shot also ensures you’re doing your part to help our front line healthcare workers devote more time to responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. Getting your flu shot also decreases the risk of getting pneumonia, and asthma or COPD attacks.
Who should get the flu shot?
Everyone 6 months old or older!
How much does the flu shot cost?
The flu shot is free with most insurance plans including Medicare and Medicaid. If you don’t have insurance, Outreach Community Health Centers is offering the flu shot for just $10.
What service is Outreach providing to help protect the community from the flu?
Outreach is proud to be offering a unique drive-thru/walk-up flu clinic at our 210 W. Capitol location beginning Monday October 12 and continuing through the flu season. At our flu clinic, you don’t have to worry about sitting in a waiting room full of people, going into an exam room, or having contact with other patients or customers. Our flu clinic is open Monday-Thursday, 9am to 4pm, and Fridays, 9am to 3pm.
Do I need an appointment to get my flu shot at Outreach?
Nope! No appointments are necessary, though you can call to schedule a flu shot to avoid any waiting on busy days. To schedule a flu shot, simply call 414-727-6320
True or False: Common Misunderstandings about the Flu Shot
Dr. Michael F. Potnek, DNP
Outreach Community Health Centers
The flu shot will make me sick or give me the flu.
False! Most people have no problem with a flu shot. In fact, for most people, the flu is far more dangerous than the flu shot. The flu shot cannot cause you to get the flu because the vaccine is either inactivated (killed) viruses, or only a piece from the flu virus, not enough to make you sick. You may experience some common side effects from the flu shot, which are completely normal and include: arm soreness, redness, or slight swelling. A few people do have a headache or a low-grade fever for about a day after they get the shot.
I can’t get the flu shot because I’m allergic to eggs.
False! If you are allergic to eggs, you can usually get the flu shot. However, if you have ever had a severe allergic reaction to a flu shot, you should not get a new flu shot.
I’m currently sick; I can’t get the shot until I’m better.
False! If you don’t have a fever, you absolutely can and should get your flu shot. If you have a fever (temperature over 99.5), wait to get the flu shot until your fever breaks.
I don’t need the flu shot because I got it last year.
False! You need a flu shot every year for two reasons: First, flu viruses change. Each year’s virus may be just a little different. Second, the protection you get from a flu shot decreases with time, especially in older people.
It’s too late for me to get the flu shot?
False! It’s never too late to get a flu shot! The best time to get the flu shot is before the flu begins spreading in your community. The best time to get the flu shot is after September 1, but before Halloween.