Flu Myths vs. Flu Facts

Does a flu shot cause the flu? Do healthy people need a shot? Here are the answers to some popular myths.

The flu vaccination is the best way to protect yourself and your family. However, misconceptions about vaccination persist. Here are 7 common myths about vaccination. Flu Myth #1 A Flu Shot Causes the Flu No, a flu shot cannot cause flu illness. The influenza viruses contained in a flu shot are inactivated (killed), which means they cannot cause infection. Flu vaccine manufacturers kill the viruses used in the vaccine during the process of making vaccine, and batches of flu vaccine are tested to make sure they are safe. In randomized, blinded studies, where some people get flu shots and others get salt-water shots, the only differences in symptoms was increased soreness in the arm and redness at the injection site among people who got the …

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Flu Patients Continue to Fill Doctors' Offices

A Kaiser Permanente physician said 15 to 20 percent of his day is spent with flu patients.

This flu season is different than previous years because of the sheer volume of people who are getting sick, according to an ambulatory medicine physician. Dr. Richard Ellin, who works at the Kaiser Permanente Medical Offices in nearby Alpharetta, said in the past two or three years, he'd see the occasional flu patient, maybe one or two a week. "This year, we are seeing anywhere from three to six a day and that's just me," Dr. Ellin said. "Fifteen to 20 percent of my day is the flu or complications from the flu. "Another thing is, we are seeing many more people who have got the flu shot who have gotten the flu," he said. "It's prevalent throughout metro Atlanta, and really throughout Georgia, and really pretty much throughout the whole …

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Liz Kennedy

4:42 pm on Friday, January 18, 2013

Hi John, Glad to help! Liz Kennedy, Editor   more ›

CDC: Get Your Flu Shot

It's National Influenza Vaccination Week. Did you get your flu shot in Forsyth County yet?

More than one-third of United States residents have already been vaccinated against the influenza virus, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced Monday. With National Influenza Vaccination Week, which started last Sunday and ends Saturday, health officials aim to increase that percentage, especially since this year's season may be a bad one. Influenza—more commonly known as simply "the flu"—is a contagious respiratory illness caused by viruses infecting the nose, throat and lungs. It spreads via infected people coughing, sneezing or talking, though people can also get infected by touching something with the flu virus on it before touching their mouth, eyes or nose. The 2012-2013 season is shaping up to be one of the worst …

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Forsyth County Schools to Offer Free Flu Shots

Free flu shots and mist will be available for all Forsyth County school-aged children on Wednesday.

It's almost flu season and the Georgia Department of Public Health and Forsyth County Schools (FCS) are getting ready to offer this year's flu vaccine. The flu clinic will be held at Cumming Elementary School located at 540 Dahlonega Highway on Wednesday, Sept. 26, from noon to 4 p.m. Influenza immunizations will be available to all Forsyth County school-aged (K-12) children. A consent form (posted below) must be completed for all students. Parents must sign the forms and bring those with you along with insurance cards to the flu clinic. If you have insurance, the Health Department will bill your insurance company for the vaccine. There will be no co-pay and if an insurance company does not pay, the state will reimburse the Health …

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Frugal Family

Frugal Family: Flu Shots and Fall Decorating

Save on your flu shot, fall decorations, buffalo burgers, Maybelline makeup and patio furniture with this week’s deals.

Autumn is in the air. The changing seasons means stores are clearing out their summer goods and making room for warmer wares. If the chill in the air has you itching to put out your pumpkins and scarecrows, Hobby Lobby is kicking the season off with a sale on their fall decorations. The cooler weather is also a reminder flu season is upon us. Get your vaccine early while supplies last. 1. TARGET Deal: The Target pharmacy is offering flu shots. They can file a claim with your health insurance or you can pay $25 out-of-pocket. Get vaccinated early while supplies last and keep your family protected this flu season. Good through: Ongoing. 2. KROGER Deal: Kroger is clearing out all of their summer merchandise in their end of summer clearance …

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