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Westport Urgent Care Ready As Flu Season Ramps Up

WESTPORT, Conn. -- After a late start, flu season is increasing and there have been reports of severe infections, according to a report last week from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Dr. Deborah Mogelof of Westport Urgent Care said it's not too late to get a flu shot. “It is better to get the flu shot late than never,’’ she said.

Dr. Deborah Mogelof of Westport Urgent Care said it's not too late to get a flu shot. “It is better to get the flu shot late than never,’’ she said.

Photo Credit: CDC.org

Dr. Deborah Mogelof of Westport Urgent Care said flu season can start in October and run through early May. ‘Normally the peak of the season is December through February,’’ Mogelof said. “We definitely are in peak season now. Over the past few weeks the number of cases has spiked.”

“It is better to get the flu shot late than never. The season does go into the spring. The flu shot takes about two weeks to take effect, so keep that in mind when getting it.” -- Dr. Deborah Mogelof

Mogelof believes the peak season for flu could end in early March. People who received the flu vaccine appear to have a better chance of fighting off its effects compared to last year.

“Last year's flu shot was about 30 percent effective,’’ she said. “Most years it is 60-90 percent. This was because of a mutation in the virus. This year's shot has offered significantly better protection against influenza. In Westport Urgent Care, most, if not all, of the cases we have seen are in patients who did not receive this year's vaccine.”

Senior citizens and children, in particular, should take precautions to minimize risk to flu infection. “It is estimated that 80-90 percent of flu related deaths occur in patients 65 years and older,’’ Mogelof said. “First and foremost, they should be getting a flu vaccine early, and in particular the ‘high dose vaccine.’ Also, avoiding people who are sick and frequent hand washing is key to avoiding the flu. Elderly patients should seek medical care as early as possible when they develop symptoms. Better outcomes are usually seen with earlier treatment.”

Children should practice good hygiene, Mogelof said, and avoid going to school when they show flu-like symptoms. She also said it is not too late to receive the vaccine.

“It is better to get the flu shot late than never,’’ she said. “The season does go into the spring. The flu shot takes about two weeks to take effect, so keep that in mind when getting it.”

Simple preventative measures -- washing hands frequently, covering mouths and noses when sneezing and coughing, cleaning and disinfecting surfaces -- can help fight off flu.

“The two most important steps to preventing the flu are getting the flu vaccine early and avoiding sick people,’’ Mogelof said. “Typically the flu vaccine is 60-90 percent effective in protecting against the flu by providing you with immunity. Flu particles are airborne for up to six feet. If you do need to care for someone who is sick, wear a mask and wash hands frequently. And if you or your children get sick, stay home and avoid other people, including family members when possible.”

Westport Urgent Care is open 7 days a week, and no appointment is necessary. Click here to visit its website.

This article is part of a paid Content Partnership with the advertiser, Westport Urgent Care. Daily Voice has no involvement in the writing of the article and the statements and opinions contained in it are solely those of the advertiser.

To learn more about Content Partnerships, click here.

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