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Flu &
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Become a clerical volunteer at a flu clinic | Flu immunization Q&A
Medicare Part B and Medicaid cover the cost of flu and pneumonia vaccinations. For people not on Medicare or Medicaid, the charge is $30 for a flu shot and $45 for a pneumonia shot. Payment must be made by cash or check. (Checks to Aurora Visiting Nurse Association, or VNA.)
A flu shot is recommended for:
- Anyone 50 years of age or older
- Women who will be pregnant during flu season
- Anyone with long-term health problems
- Anyone with a weakened immune system
- Anyone with muscle or nerve disorders that can lead to breathing or swallowing problems
- Residents of nursing homes and other chronic-care facilities
- Health care providers
- Household contacts and caregivers of children from birth to 5 years of age
- Household contacts and caregivers of people 50 years and older, and those who are at risk of serious complications from influenza
- People who provide essential community services
- People living in residence halls or other crowded conditions
- People who travel to the Southern hemisphere between April and September or in organized tourist groups at any time
- Anyone who wants to reduce his/her chance of catching influenza or spreading influenza to others
A new recommendation this year from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), is that all children from 6 months through 18 years of age should be vaccinated with influenza vaccine. (Note: The Aurora VNA vaccinates children age 9 and older).
Since flu strains change from year to year, it is necessary to be vaccinated annually. All the viruses in the vaccine have been killed, so people CANNOT get the flu from a flu shot.
Preservative-free vaccine
Influenza vaccine without thimerosal preservative is available for $35 per shot at the Saturday clinics located at the Aurora VNA, 11333 W. National Ave. in West Allis as long as supplies last. See the schedule for dates and times.
FluMist
FluMist is a needle-free flu vaccine — a gentle nasal mist delivered into each nostril. FluMist is a weakened live virus vaccine and is available only to people from ages 2-49 years of age. Certain health-related restrictions apply. The Aurora VNA is making FluMist available for $35 to individuals age nine and older at the Saturday clinics located at the Aurora VNA, 11333 W. National Ave. in West Allis as long as supplies last. See the schedule for dates and times.
A pneumonia shot is recommended if you are:
- Age 65 or older Under age 65 with certain chronic health conditions such as diabetes, heart or lung diseases
- Usually, one dose of pneumococcal vaccine is recommended per lifetime. Certain individuals may benefit from an additional dose.
Pneumonia vaccinations also are available at the clinics. A pneumonia shot is recommended if you are 65 or older, or under 65 with chronic health conditions such as diabetes or heart or lung diseases. Usually, one dose of pneumococcal vaccine is recommended per lifetime. Certain individuals may benefit from an additional dose.
Why get the influenza vaccine?
Influenza (flu) is a serious disease. It is caused by a virus that spreads from infected persons to the nose or throat of others. Influenza can cause:
- Fever
- Cough
- Chills
- Sore throat
- Headache
- Muscle aches
Anyone can get influenza. Most people are ill with influenza for only a few days, but some get much sicker and may need to be hospitalized. Influenza causes thousands of deaths each year, mostly among the elderly. Influenza vaccine can prevent influenza.
Hear Dr. John Whitcomb explain the value of a flu shot.
Tips for avoiding the flu
- Get a flu shot
- Eat a healthy well balanced diet
- Drink plenty of liquids and get plenty of sleep
- If you are sick, stay home to avoid passing anything on to others
- Cover your nose and mouth when you cough and sneeze
- Wash your hands frequently, especially after blowing your nose or coughing or sneezing
- Discard used tissue immediately into the garbage can
Is it a cold or the flu?
| Symptoms | Cold | Flu |
| Fever | Rare | Characteristic, high (102-104 degrees F); lasts 3-4 days |
| Headache | Rare | Prominent |
| General aches, pains | Slight | Usual; often severe |
| Fatigue, weakness | Quite mild | Can last up to 2-3 weeks |
| Extreme exhaustion | Never | Early and prominent |
| Stuffy nose | Common | Sometimes |
| Sneezing | Usual | Sometimes |
| Sore throat | Common | Sometimes |
| Chest discomfort, cough | Mild to moderate; hacking cough | Common; can become severe |
| Complications | Sinus congestion or earache | Bronchitis, pneumonia; can be life-threatening |
| Prevention | None | Annual vaccination; amantadine or rimantadine (antiviral drugs) |
| Treatment | Only temporary relief of symptoms | Amantadine or rimantadine within 24-48 hours after onset of symptoms |
Aurora VNA brings flu clinics to Hmong association
The Visiting Nurse Association of Wisconsin provides health care solutions that enable people to remain independent within their communities.
