Lee Memorial staff, volunteers to receive flu shots
Lee Memorial Health System employees, volunteers and medical staff members will be receiving flu shots Friday, Oct. 9, and Tuesday, Oct. 13, from 6:30-11:30 a.m., in the Lee Memorial Hospital Cafeteria, 2776 Cleveland Ave., Fort Myers, and The Cape Coral Hospital Auxiliary Meeting Room, 636 Del Prado Blvd.
Influenza (the flu) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by viruses that infect the nose, throat and lungs. It can cause mild to severe illness, and can lead to death. Complications of flu can include bacterial pneumonia, ear infections, sinus infections, dehydration and worsening of chronic medical conditions, such as congestive heart failure, asthma or diabetes. In addition, most healthy adults may be able to infect others beginning one day before symptoms develop and up to 5-7 days after becoming sick.
Although nothing is 100 percent effective in preventing the flu, the vaccine is recommended as the best step to take in preventing the flu. According to the Center for Disease Control, unlike last year, this year’s flu vaccine seems to be tracking well with the influenza viruses that are currently circulating, according to officials.