Flu shot season is now

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) - It's time to roll up our sleeves and take at least one step to staying healthier this fall and winter. Dr. Paul Woods, MD is the department chief of primary care at the Spectrum Health Medical Group. He talks with us about prevention and where you can find out about clinics. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone older than six months be vaccinated for the flu this year. Spectrum Health offers several ways to get your flu shot. Those at a greater risk for the flu are children, older adults, pregnant women, individuals with chronic medial problems and care providers. In order to prevent the flu, there are several steps you can take. Get your seasonal flu shot. Visit http://www.specrumhealth.org/flu for a list of clinics. Also, wash your hands regularly and thoroughly, avoid contact with people who have flu-like symptoms, get plenty of rest and eat a healthy, balanced diet. Some symptoms of the flu to watch for are cough, sore throat, fever with a temperature greater than 100° Farenheit or 37.8° Celcius, runny or stuffy nose, headache, chills, fatigue and sometimes diarrhea and vomiting. You can get a shot or a nasal vaccine for influenza. There are also multiple convenient locations for receiving vaccines. The Spectrum Health Continuing Care Visiting Nurse Association (VNA) has begun distributing the flu vaccine at clinics throughout the community. The current schedule of flu clinics is posted at spectrumhealth.org/flu or is available by calling 616.486.3939. The flu vaccine is offered on a first-come, first-serve basis, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week at Spectrum Health Urgent Care locations in Grand Rapids. The South Pavilion location is open until 10 p.m. Locations can be found at spectrumhealth.org/urgent . Current patients have the option of making an appointment with their Spectrum Health Medical Group provider to receive the vaccine. A listing of primary care physicians is available online at shmg.org/primarycare .

Living Well:
Dr. Paul Woods, MD
Primary Care
Spectrum Health Medical Group
www.shmg.org/