Flu Season is Here!

It is officially flu season! Unfortunately, this year it will overlap our present COVID-19 pandemic. People will be forced into their homes as the weather gets colder. Hopefully, we will continue to be socially distancing, wearing masks, and washing our hands to prevent Both infections!

Unlike COVID, we do have an influenza vaccine and oral treatment options. I typically recommend everyone get their flu shots in October to extend through to March. Among the vaccine options we offer in the office, for those 18-64 years old, I recommend a quadrivalent or Flublok vaccine. For those over the age of 65, we recommend the high-dose vaccine. Any children younger than 18 can receive an injectable (inactive) version versus a nasal mist (live attenuated) flu vaccine.

These treatments will hopefully minimize or prevent the infection. It can be devastating to obtain a case of influenza concomitantly with COVID infection. So please get your Flu vaccine now if you have not done so already! 

 

Frequently Asked Questions we get in the office:

 

No, the flu shot does not contain a live virus, so it will not cause illness.

Yes, we recommend everyone get their flu shot every year in October to last the season's remainder through March.

The high dose flu vaccine offers a more potent dose of the inactive viral strain to incite a more robust immune response in seniors instead of the standard (Flublok) strength.

At this time, we are only taking patients by appointment to help reduce the amount of contact between patients to promote social distancing with Covid.  Please call the office at (281) 207-0770 to schedule your flu shot appointment, or ask to add it to an existing one.

Author
Dr. Frank Mazza Dr. Mazza has been a Houston resident since 1979. He earned his undergraduate degree at the University of Texas at Austin, and he went on to earn his medical degree at the University of Texas Medical School in Houston. He completed his family practice residency at the Memorial Southwest Family Practice residency program. Dr. Mazza has often been recognized as a favorite local family physician in Texas Monthly magazine and other publications. Some of Dr. Mazza’s favorite hobbies include reading, sports, and music. He and his wife are proud parents of three daughters.

You Might Also Enjoy...

Colorectal Cancer Screening

Let's Talk! Dr. Mazza discusses Colorectal Cancer Screening and how crucial regular screening can be as a potentially lifesaving procedure.

Lets Talk Dysport and Injectables

Curious about Dysport and injectables? We help answer some of those questions and discuss how each patient can earn rewards for their treatments and referrals via Aspire Rewards.

Thoughts on the Recent Mask Debate in Texas

We hope everyone survived the Texas Freeze with minimal damage to their homes and businesses...In recent days, Governor Abbott’s speech rescinding the mask mandate as of March 10th has produced mixed feelings with everyone.

Introducing Our New Patient Portal... HEALOW!

HEALOW is our new Patient Portal! Patients are web-enabled when scheduling an appointment or requesting activation. It is an easy and convenient way to access patient information when you need to.

Prejuvenation

Combinations of treatment modalities help different cellular responses. For example, having a good regimen of adequate sleep, hydration, and... In our 20’s, one must think of developing a preventive skincare approach called ”prejuvenation.”