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:

• Will I get sick from the Flu shot?

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

• Do I need to get the Flu shot?

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

• What is the difference between Flublock and the high dose?

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.

• Do I need to make an appointment to get my flu vaccine?

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.