SPARTANBURG, SC – According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), this year’s flu season has hit its peak, and is in a steady decline – finally.
“We are very pleased that the worst of a tough flu season is over and we are encouraging patients who may have put off routine visits to make sure they get back on track,” says Mary Black Health System Vice President of Medical Affairs, Howard Bean, M.D., FAAFP.
According to SC Department of Health and Environmental Control, the flu rate in Spartanburg has been falling over the past few weeks. The decline in cases follows a tough flu season that impacted local schools, workplaces and hospital emergency rooms. Flu season can also cause some people – especially the elderly – to postpone care for chronic or elective health issues, either due to cases of the flu itself, or out of a fear of contact with flu in public spaces.
"Taking precautions is the best possible way to avoid catching any virus,” adds Dr. Bean. “Get the flu shot early in the season, take proactive hand-washing and hygiene steps, and increase your intake of fruits and vegetables. But don’t put off important care of chronic conditions, or allow an emerging condition to worsen by waiting out the season. Healthcare facilities take aggressive measures to prevent the spread of viruses –typically more so than any other public space.”
This year’s flu season reinforced the importance of getting a flu vaccine, and building immunity early and over time. Even now, according to the CDC, it’s not too late to get your flu shot this year. While we see most flu cases during the winter epidemic, the flu may be present at any time during the year, so it is important to get a flu shot every year.
If you need a flu shot, or assistance with a plan for optimizing your health, call your primary care physician and develop a personal and comprehensive wellness plan that will support you throughout the year. If you need a primary care physician, visit MyMaryBlackPhysician.com for help finding a physician.