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How to Protect Yourself from the Flu

How to Protect Yourself from the Flu

· Illness Prevention · Comments Off on How to Protect Yourself from the Flu

The flu once again is upon us.  Many will become ill, some will die from it.

As an internist, I have cared for flu patients every single year for over 25 years. I witnessed first-hand the weakness, aches, fever, headache and other symptoms knock so many I care about off their feet, causing them to miss work, school, family events and more. Too often loved ones are then exposed and become ill as well. According to the CDC, during 2017-18, just over a year ago, the flu broke records for deaths and illnesses, killing nearly 80,000 people. That would be a Jumbo 747 jet with 500 passengers going down every day for nearly 6 months!

Who is at highest risk of flu complications?

Pregnant women and those over the age of 65, as well as those with chronic conditions such as diabetes, asthma, and other conditions are at the highest risk of more severe flu complications. Our immune systems weaken as we age.  In the United States, people over 65 account for 70-85% of flu-related deaths. But keep in mind that over 10,000 adults aged 18-64 died last season in the United States from flu complications, along with nearly 180 children. We are all at risk, so we must take steps to protect ourselves.

How to protect ourselves and our loved ones from the flu.

Annual flu vaccination is recommended for all people ages 6 months and older unless you have a contraindication to influenza vaccine. Even if you had the flu this season, you should still get vaccinated since the vaccine contains 3-4 different influenza strains. Rarely people who get the vaccine may have mild flu-like symptoms, but they will not get the flu from the vaccine. It takes 1-2 weeks to develop immunity after the vaccine, so there are some people who may be exposed to the flu before they have immunity and become ill with the flu, but this did not come from the vaccine.

The flu vaccine is the best way to prevent the flu.  Speak to one of our physicians on how to best avoid this all too common illness.

For more information go to www.cdc.gov/flu

https://www.immunize.org/vis/flu_inactive.pdf

Author: Jose R Santana Jr MD MPH FACP

Dr Santana is a Board-Certified Internist with Private Physician Services, PLLC in Sarasota Florida.

The Benefits of Choosing a Private Physician

· Getting Started with a Private Physician · Comments Off on The Benefits of Choosing a Private Physician

Finding the best physician is Sarasota for you isn’t a decision to be taken lightly. After all, your health and wellbeing is worth protecting and nurturing. Unfortunately, choosing a physician has become somewhat formulaic, with most people automatically defaulting to a doctor at their nearest urgent care, hospital, or insurance-ran medical center. However, choosing a private physician offers a vast array of unique benefits that you shouldn’t overlook.

A Private Physician Offers Independent and High-Quality Care

Ideally, the patient-doctor relationship works as a direct service, with the doctor able to provide a personalized treatment plan based on his or her expertise. However, most large medical centers and hospitals are run by a third-party company with their own interests, disrupting the direct doctor-patient relationship. While many people assume these third-parties stick to making business decisions, they can have a surprising amount of influence over medical decisions.

Experience Personalized and Attentive Care

When you choose to a private doctor, the doctor works independently and can make the decisions he or she believes are best based on your needs.

Doctors that work in a hospital setting are expected to take on huge loads of patients, leaving actual visits short. With so many visits squeezed into doctors’ schedules, it can be hard for doctors to have the energy and mental awareness to pay attention to some of the important nuances in their patients’ cases. This can leave some significant conditions unchecked and overlooked, with potentially severe consequences showing up later on. Plus, these short visits happen after a considerable amount of time left waiting, taking a good chunk out of your day for a watered down version of physician’s care.

On the other hand, when you go to an office to see a private physician, you can expect to experience no wait and to spend the majority of your visit with your doctor. This way, you’ll actually get to go in-depth about your physical health concerns while getting attentive care and a personalized treatment plan if needed.

Concierge Doctors Offer Flexibility

At a typical doctor’s office, you’ll be lucky to get an appointment at a time that’s actually convenient for you. Most often, you’ll have to take some time off work only to see your doctor for a few minutes. After that, they’re gone and you’ll only get a follow up the next time you can make an appointment.

However, private physicians are able to work extended hours that better fit their patients’ schedules. Plus, having a lower patient load means they can make appointment times that are best for the patient rather than what’s best for them. Additionally, private physicians can be reached directly by cell phone or email for follow up questions and helpful insight. Schedule a consultation with a private physician to experience the difference for yourself.