From Sawtooth Mountain Clinic - October 3, 2019

It’s not “JUST” the flu!

Flu season is almost here, and Sawtooth Mountain Clinic is once again sponsoring public flu shot clinics where people over the age of 9 years can quickly, conveniently, and affordably get their annual flu vaccination.  You may ask yourself, “Why all the fuss? It’s just the flu.”  There is a common misconception that influenza is just an inconvenience.  In fact, the flu can be fatal.  In Minnesota during the 2018/19 flu season, 2,522 people were hospitalized with laboratory-confirmed influenza, 2 pediatric influenza-related deaths were confirmed, and 126 influenza-associated deaths were reported.  Some people are more at risk than others:  children, people that are over 65, people that are pregnant, or those that have chronic health conditions such as asthma, diabetes, or cancer.  

Another common myth about influenza is that the shot can give you the flu.  Actually this is impossible, because the viruses that are used to make the vaccine have either been killed or deconstructed.  Still, it is possible to be infected with the flu immediately before or right after getting the shot.  Because it takes a couple of weeks for the protection from the vaccine to kick in, it’s a good idea to get your shot in October.  This is when influenza activity starts to increase, but before it peaks from December - February.  However, there are indications that we may see an earlier than usual flu season this year, so it’s better to get your vaccination sooner rather than later.

Occasionally, a person will get the shot in time, but still get the flu.  This is possible in part because the influenza virus is always mutating, and the current vaccine may not be a perfect match for the viruses that are circulating.  It’s still a good idea to get the shot though, because it can help reduce the severity of your symptoms.  There may be some short-term side effects after the shot:  soreness, swelling, or redness at the injection site, a low grade fever, or some slight achiness.  These are good signs – they signal that your body is ramping up its defenses against the virus.

Not everyone should get the influenza vaccine:  babies under 6 months of age and people with severe allergies to any of the ingredients of the vaccine (gelatin, antibiotics…).  Some people should check with their doctor before they get the shot (if you’re not feeling well on that day or if you’ve ever had Guillain-Barré Syndrome).  If you have any questions, call us Sawtooth Mountain Clinic at 218-387-2330.

Vaccines are a powerful way for us to protect ourselves from life-threatening illnesses.  What’s more, by keeping ourselves well, we protect others that are more vulnerable and unable to get the vaccine.  

For more information, visit www.cdc.gov/flu  or www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/flu .

2019 Flu Shot Clinics

Tues. Oct. 15                                     Sawtooth Mountain Clinic                                                                     11:30 - 1:00 p.m.                                                                                                                                                                                                      4:30 - 6:00 p.m.

Thurs. Oct. 17                                    Birch Grove Clinic                                                                                          10:00 - 11:00 a.m.                                                                                                                                                      3:15 - 4:30 p.m.                                Arrowhead Electric Boardroom

Tues. Oct. 22                                    Cook County Coop                                                                                          11:30 - 12:30 p.m.

Tues. Oct. 29                                    Cook County Coop                                                                                          11:30 - 12:30 p.m.

Thurs. Oct. 31                                    Grand Marais State Bank                                                                        11:30 – 12:30 p.m.

Thurs. Nov. 7                                    Sawtooth Mountain Clinic                                                                        5:30 - 7:30 p.m.

If you would like us to bill your insurance, please bring your information and card with you, otherwise, there will be a $25.00 charge payable by cash or check only.