Flu-Fighting Facts Thursday, March 1, 2018 (NAPSA)—The flu is nothing to sneezeat. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), influenza has resulted in between 9.2 million and 35.6 million illnesses annually since 2010. The best way to stay out of such statistics, the CDC says, is for everyone whois eligible and at least 6 monthsold to get a flu shot as soon as the vaccine becomesavailable. To help, all CVS Pharmacy and Thebest way to protect yourself and yourfamily from the ravagesof incine available seven days a week with no fluenzais to get flu shot. appointmentneeded. MinuteClinic locations have the vac- Study Shows ‘That maybe just as well, since the annual survey, conducted online by Harris Poll on behalf of CVS Pharmacy [1], found that two-thirds of those sur- veyed get a flu vaccineevery year or plan to get one this year, a 5 percentincrease from last year. One reason so many are flocking to get the shot is the knowledgeoflast year’s flu season—which according to the CDC had flu levels that were the highest observed since 2009. Twen- take up to two weeks fortheflu vaccine to build immunity” explained Angela Patterson, ChiefNurse Practitioner Officer at MinuteClinic. “Because of this, CVS Pharmacy recommendspatients get theirflu shot as soon as the vaccine becomesavailable to ensure patients are the most protected before flu season peaks. Furthermore, influenza strains tend to change each year, soit's very importantto get vaccinated annually to makesure you are protected.” WhatElse You Can Do ty-two percentof those surveyed[2] say that knowledgeof last year’s severe flu Here are four suggestions: 1. Stay homeif you're sick. The sur- season makes them more likely to get a flu shot this year. On a similar note, amongthe 27 percentofparentsofchildren under 18 whose child did not get theflu vaccinelast year, 26 percent say vey foundthat twooutof three respondents wouldstill go to workif they had vaccinated this yearafter learning about +28 percent have gone to the flulike symptoms. In fact, flulike symptoms haven't stopped somepeople from going outin they are morelikely to get their child public in general: the notably high flu levels during last year's flu season. ‘The percentage whogetvaccinated at a pharmacy stayed at 22 percent, but the percentage of employed adults who get vaccinatedat their workplace fell from 22 percentto 15 percent while those whogot vaccinated by health care professional rose from 44 percentto 48 percent. ‘The survey also found that doctors’ opinions(39 percent), where insurance is accepted (38 percent), and conve- nience (33 percent) rank amongthe top threefactors in determining where to go for the shot. Theflu vaccineis a preventive service under the Affordable Care Act,so it’s fully covered andavailable at no cost through mostinsurance plans, including Medicare Part B. Nurse’s Advice “Surprising to many,it can actually supermarket + 12 percent have picked up child from school or day care +10 percent have taken public transportation. 2. Wash your handsoften with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based cleans- ing gel. 3. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germsspread this way. 4, Clean anddisinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with germs. Learn More Consumers can visit www.CVS.com_ and www.MinuteClinic.com for further information andto find a nearby phar- macy orclinic. Customers get a $5 off $25 coupon whenthey get the shot at CVS Pharmacy or MinuteClinic. [1] Survey was conducted in the United States by The Harris Poll onJuly 12-16, 2018, among 2,020 adults ages 18 and older. [2] US. adults surveyed who did notget aflu shot lastyear. --- PHOTOS --- File: 20190731-222822-20190731-222820-86470.pdf.jpg --- FILES --- File: 20190731-222820-86470.pdf