Health care leaders in Virginia rolled up their sleeves to receive a flu shot today to encourage the public to do the same.
Virginia State Health Commissioner Dr. Karen Shelton and Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney were among those leaders who got the shot at an event at the Bon Secours Sarah Garland Jones Center for Healthy Living in Richmond.
Cold, flu and respiratory season is approaching with flu season typically running from October through March.
Last flu season, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 31 million flu illnesses, 14 million flu-related medical visits, 350,000 flu hospitalizations and 22,000 flu deaths.
In Virginia, there were 111,940 emergency department and urgent care visits with diagnosed influenza and an estimated 149 influenza-associated deaths, including three pediatric deaths, according to the Virginia Department of Health.
“Getting your annual flu shot is one of the simplest things every Virginian can do to protect themselves and others as the fall respiratory illness season draws near,” said Shelton. “Flu sickens millions of people across the U.S. each year and, in the latest flu season, killed tens of thousands nationally. One quick shot can protect you from the flu and help prevent hospitalization or death.”
The CDC projects that the fall and winter respiratory illness period could result in a similar number of hospitalizations as last year.
Vaccination can reduce these numbers by providing a layer of defense against severe illness and helping to reduce the spread of illness.
Symptoms of the flu may include fever, chills, coughing, sore throat, congestion, fatigue and body aches.
“Every year I roll-up my sleeve to get my flu shot,” said Stoney. “I’m grateful to stand with members of the health care community and show our mutual support for vaccinations that help to protect ourselves and our loved ones from infection.”
Other healthcare professionals encouraged getting a shot to reduce the burden on hospitals and healthcare providers.
“Bon Secours is focused on improving and ensuring the health of our community,” said Mike Lutes, President, Bon Secours Richmond. “With flu season upon us, it’s important that members of our community know that by getting the influenza vaccine and lessening the likelihood of serious illness for themselves, that also lessens the potential burden on area hospitals as well.’
The CDC recommends an annual flu shot for most Americans six months and older.
“Annual flu shots are a proven, effective way to prevent serious illness and to protect yourself and the people in your household,” said Sean T. Connaughton, Virginia Hospital & Healthcare Association President and CEO. “Getting a flu shot can also help relieve undue burden on hospitals and health care providers, which often encounter increased patient demand for medical care during flu season.
“When people get sick, it impacts them, their families, and the broader community. It can cost people lost time at work, lost days at school, or worse. Annual flu shots can help protect against those outcomes.
“By getting vaccinated, people can do their part to keep communities healthier.”
To find a flu shot location near you, visit https://www.vaccines.gov/en/
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Crystal Graham
