ATLANTA — Now that it’s fall, it’s also flu season. Last season, the virus killed more than 24,000 people in the U.S.
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Channel 2’s Linda Stouffer talked to a local epidemiologist about what to look for this flu season and the vaccine options available.
“I got my flu shot and my family has as well,” said Dr. Ioana Chirca, epidemiologist at Wellstar Health System. “It is the right time to get it. We are starting to see an uptick in cases, and we’ll continue to go up from here.”
She recommends the flu shot for most people. The Georgia Department of Public Health says everyone six months old and up should get a flu shot.
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“The flu is tricky that way. The flu can definitely have severe effects even on a previously healthy person,” Chirca said. “And really, what the flu shot is doing is decreasing the risk.”
She said it “definitely decreases the risk for severe disease, for pneumonia, for ending up in an intensive care unit or on a ventilator.”
People older than 65 can get a high dose option. They’re generally covered by insurance.
And people can look for more ways to save, including coupons and cash-back options around metro Atlanta.
Also new this year, the Food and Drug Administration approved a new MRNA flu shot from Moderna. The company’s online tracker shows availability in metro Atlanta. It’s an option for people 50 and older.
Ask your doctor about the best shot for you.
Chirca says if you get sick with flu or another virus, watch for getting better and then getting worse again. That’s a sign to see a doctor or nurse.
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