Fort Smith Regional Chamber Of Commerce: Pandemic Reality Makes Flu Shots A Must

Press release from the Fort Smith Regional Chamber of Commerce:

October 07, 2021

Mardi L. Taylor Senior Media Relations & Communications Specialist Mercy Fort Smith (479) 462-7289 cell mardi.taylor@mercy.net Pandemic Reality Makes Flu Shots a Must Pandemic Reality Makes Flu Shots a Must Pandemic Reality Makes Flu Shots a Must Mercy strongly encourages flu shots, along with continued masking and social distancing as COVID cases remain high in many communities  FORT SMITH and ROGERS, Ark. (Oct. 7, 2021) – With the threat of COVID-19 still looming in many communities across the U.S. and uncertainty over its future path, now more than ever, it’s critical for people to get a flu shot.  While much of the nation saw a mild flu season last year, it’s unknown what will happen this coming winter. Dr. Aamina Akhtar, a chief medical officer for Mercy and an infectious disease specialist , strongly advises people take no chances.   "There are several things we can do to protect ourselves from the flu, but flu shots are the first line of defense,” Dr. Akhtar said. “They're not perfect, but they do offer proven protection and can lessen the effects of the flu virus if you do catch it.”  Dr. Akhtar added flu shots are especially important for vulnerable people, such as anyone with a chronic health condition, the elderly and children. Children often aren't as diligent at washing their hands, covering their coughs and other steps to prevent spreading the flu virus, which makes giving them their flu shot extra beneficial.  “In addition, it’s important for people to understand that a COVID vaccine will not protect against the flu, and vice versa,” said Dr. Paul Bean, Mercy Fort Smith chief of medical affairs. Each vaccine works differently, and he encourages those who have not received their COVID vaccinations to do so ahead of the impending flu season.  “Getting influenza and COVID at the same time will be catastrophic for some patients and would likely make any one disease much more severe,” Dr. Bean said.  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, along with the Food and Drug Administration, agree that it’s OK to receive flu and COVID vaccines (including a booster) at the same time, which may be easier and more convenient for many people. Likewise, it’s fine to space them out. Flu and COVID symptoms are similar. Cough, muscle aches, fatigue, fever, sore throat and runny nose often are present in both. A loss of taste or smell is common with COVID. If someone is experiencing any of the above symptoms, they should contact their primary care physician.  The viruses are spread in similar ways, so continued masking, social distancing and frequent hand washing can help prevent the spread of both.  The viruses are spread in similar ways, so continued masking, social distancing and frequent hand washing can help prevent the spread of both.  “Masking will help reduce flu transmission like it did last year,” Dr. Bean added.  “I’ve heard some patients say they’ve never gotten a flu shot before, so why get one now?” Dr. Akhtar said. “The simple answer: COVID. The Delta variant has been aggressive and that, in addition to flu, could really lay people low. There’s no reason to take the risk. We’ve seen too many people die this past year. Our bodies can only take so much. Our immune systems need as much help as they can get. It’s imperative to get a flu shot this year, along with your COVID vaccine, if you haven’t already gotten them.”   “I’ve heard some patients say they’ve never gotten a flu shot before, so why get one now?” Dr. Akhtar said. “The simple answer: COVID. The Delta variant has been aggressive and that, in addition to flu, could really lay people low. There’s no reason to take the risk. We’ve seen too many people die this past year. Our bodies can only take so much. Our immune systems need as much help as they can get. It’s imperative to get a flu shot this year, along with your COVID vaccine, if you haven’t already gotten them.”   Mercy Fort Smith offers drive-up flu shots at Mercy Convenient Care – 79th Street , 3505 S. 79th St. Drive-up flu shots are available from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. seven days a week. Those receiving a shot should park in a designated location, have their insurance information ready, and call 479-709-8686. Masking is required. Drive-up flu shots are for those 18 and older.  Flu shots are also available by appointment at Mercy primary care clinics in Fort Smith as well as in Booneville, Ozark, Paris and Waldron.  Mercy Northwest Arkansas flu shot locations  For established Mercy patients, flu shots are available by appointment only at all primary care and family medicine locations. Mercy Clinic Primary Care – Moberly Lane in Bentonville offers drive-thru flu shots.  Mercy Clinic Family Medicine – Lowell offers flu shots by walk-in or appointment. Hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday.  Learn more about flu vaccines here and COVID vaccines here . Mercy Mercy Mercy Mercy Mercy Mercy , named one of the top five large U.S. health systems for four consecutive years by IBM Watson Health, serves millions annually. Mercy , named one of the top five large U.S. health systems for four consecutive years by IBM Watson Health, serves millions annually. Mercy  is one of the nation’s most highly integrated, multi-state health care systems,   is one of the nation’s most highly integrated, multi-state health care systems,  includ includ ing ing  more than 40 acute care, managed and specialty (heart, children’s, orthopedic and rehab) hospitals,   more than 40 acute care, managed and specialty (heart, children’s, orthopedic and rehab) hospitals,  convenient urgent care locations, imaging centers and pharmacies. Mercy has  convenient urgent care locations, imaging centers and pharmacies. Mercy has  900 physician practices and outpatient facilities, more than 4,000 Mercy Clinic physicians and advanced practitioners and 40,000-plus  900 physician practices and outpatient facilities, more than 4,000 Mercy Clinic physicians and advanced practitioners and 40,000-plus  co-workers  serving patients and families across   serving patients and families across  Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma. Mercy also has clinics, outpatient services and outreach ministries in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma. Mercy also has clinics, outpatient services and outreach ministries in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas.  In addition, Mercy's IT division, Mercy Technology Services, and Mercy Virtual commercially serve providers and patients from coast to coast.

This press release was produced by the Fort Smith Regional Chamber of Commerce. The views expressed here are the author’s own.