AU Health recommends getting flu shot by end of October

Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2019

(WRDW/WAGT) -- Augusta University Health is taking precautions to protect patients this flu season.

The hospital has a mandatory flu shot policy for its employees, which includes doctors, nurses and others who care for patients on a daily basis, to help prevent the spread of flu.

Also, when influenza cases begin to soar in Augusta, the hospital will put in place restrictions on hospital visits by children 18 and under, as well as any visitor who has symptoms of an upper respiratory illness.

Flu shots are available at doctors' offices and pharmacies across the CSRA. Other precautions include frequently washing hands and covering your mouth with the inside of your elbow while coughing.

“The best way to prevent flu is to get the vaccine. But flu is one of many respiratory viruses that circulate in the winter,” said. Dr. Jim Wilde.

“Preventing flu, meaning influenza infection, with vaccine does nothing to protect against the other viruses, which mimic the flu. These infections are collectively called flu-like illness. The best protection against flu-like illness is to stay away from sick people. The next best protection is to stay away from large crowds during flu season.”

Symptoms of the flu include a fever of 100 degrees or higher, coughing, sore throat, runny/stuffy nose, headache and/or body ache, chills, fatigue, nausea or vomiting.

The Centers for Disease Control recommends getting vaccinated by the end of October.