SARASOTA – ‘Tis the season – the flu season, that is! Positive cases of the flu tend to peak during the winter months but can sometimes last as late as May according to The Center of Disease Control and Prevention. Dr. Nedelcovych, M.D. with Sarasota Medical Center says the time to prepare is now.
“You should get the flu shot, it is highly recommended by the CDC and primary cares. It’s usually recommended from 6 months of age or older and especially for 65 and older,” Dr. Nedelcovych, M.D., said.
The disease can spread easily, and therefore, preventative measures are typically the best way to combat catching the flu.
“Washing your hands, don’t share glasses, cough or sneezing to use the proper techniques into the elbow or into cupped hands,” Dr. Nedelcovych, M.D., said.
The CDC estimates the flu results in between 140,000 and 960,000 hospitalizations each year, and timing is key to treating the flu. Sarasota Medical Center is one location where flu shots are available, and Dr. Nedelcovych warns against waiting too long into the season to protect yourself.
“We’re doing flu shots and we will keep doing them. We haven’t really seen a big influx yet, at least I haven’t many positives. We know it’s coming with all our visitors and tourists it will come and once it arrives it hits hard,” Dr. Nedelcovych, M.D., said.