Flu season is quickly approaching and Our Lady of the Lake Physician Group and St. Elizabeth Physicians now have flu shots available at 20 clinics across the Baton Rouge region ensuring the community is protected ahead of flu season.
“Getting a flu shot is one of the best ways you can protect yourself and others from contracting and spreading the flu,” said Catherine O’Neal, MD, infectious disease specialist at Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center. “The earlier you get a flu shot, the better, as it can take up to a month to develop full flu immunity.”
In addition to getting a flu shot this season, there are a few simple things you can do to ward off the flu, including frequent hand washing, covering your mouth when sneezing or coughing, getting plenty of rest, and staying home from work or school when feeling ill.
Symptoms of the flu include a high-grade fever, a dry and unproductive cough, and a sudden severe headache. Some may also experience a runny nose, sore throat, and chills.
Our Lady of the Lake is playing its part in protecting the community against the flu by hosting its annual Flu Fair the first week of October for employees to receive their vaccinations. All team members, volunteers, physicians, allied health staff, students, contract workers, and other healthcare providers are required to be vaccinated from the flu each year.
Flu shots are being offered to new and current patients at 20 clinic locations across the Baton Rouge area. For more information about walk-in flu shot clinics, scheduling an appointment, or information on how to protect yourself against the flu, visit ololrmc.com/flu.