Flu Season is Here!

Written by Kimberly Houser, PharmD Don’t wait to get vaccinated! Two viruses that commonly circulate this time of year are the flu and the common cold. Price Chopper has all of the resources that your family needs to help prevent and also treat these illnesses! The Center for Disease Control (CDC), recommends that everyone over the age of 6 months receive their flu vaccine to help prevent illness¹. This includes pregnant women and patients with diabetes! The flu virus most commonly causes mild symptoms that tend to include: fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, headache, body aches, chills, and fatigue². The flu virus is also associated with complications including hospitalization and even death. This is why it is so important to receive your flu vaccine to help prevent illness and complications. Price Chopper Pharmacy is now carrying two formulations of the flu vaccine and can vaccinate patients over the age of 19. Patients can receive the intradermal formulation. The intradermal flu shot has a 90% smaller needle so it is a great option for people that are afraid of needles. Patients over the age of 65 can also receive the high dose flu vaccine at their local Price Chopper Pharmacy. This vaccine has four times the amount of antigen to help boost the immune response in patients over the age of 65. Ask your local Price Chopper Pharmacist which flu vaccine is right for you! Along with proper hand washing, the flu vaccine is the best way to prevent the flu, but unfortunately can’t prevent the common cold. Common symptoms for a cold include: stuffy, runny nose, scratchy throat, sneezing, watering eyes, low-grade fever, sore throat, or mild hacking cough³. If someone in your family comes down with a cold this season, stop by your local Price Chopper for all of your cough and cold needs. Stock up today on helpful items like hand sanitizer, tissues, and antihistamines. Don’t forget to ask your pharmacist which products are best for you!

1. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices Recommends Universal Annual Influenza Vaccination [Internet]. 2010 [cited 2010 May 11]. Available from: http://www.cdc.gov/media/pressrel/2010/r100224.htm
2. About the Flu [Internet]. [cited 2010 May 11]. Available from: http://www.flu.gov/individualfamily/about/index.html
3. Common Cold [Internet]. [cited 2012 June 18]. Available from: http://pricechopper.staywellsolutionsonline.com/Search/85,P00620