| For immediate release: Nov. 1, 2011 |
Contact
Kelly Tracer 970.213.4761 | 970.624.1211
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Just in time for the flu season, Poudre Valley Health System presents a special online chat to talk about this year's flu outlook and what people can do to protect themselves.
The chat will be held at noon Nov. 15 at www.pvhs.org/chat and will feature Dr. Deric McIntosh, a physician at Foxtrail Family Medicine, 1625 Foxtrail Drive in Loveland. Dr. McIntosh will highlight many aspects of the topic, including:
- How the flu virus spreads.
- The difference between the cold and the flu.
- Who should get vaccinated and who shouldn't.
- How the flu shot works.
- What other precautions a person can take to avoid the flu.
- What to do if you get sick.
The seasonal flu is a contagious respiratory illness that is caused by a virus. While seasonal flu activity typically peaks in January and February, cases often begin to surface in October or November.
Those who get the flu can experience fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headaches and fatigue, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. These symptoms can range from mild to severe in all people, but the virus can be especially dangerous for some people, such as seniors, young children and pregnant women. Also, people with certain health conditions, such as diabetes, asthma or heart disease, can experience additional complications from the flu.
To join the chat, go to www.pvhs.org/chat at noon Nov. 15 and click on the "click here" text. All participants will be able to ask Dr. McIntosh questions during the chat through an easy-to-use chat program. To submit a question for the chat in advance:
--PVHS--
