Doctors Express Englewood Honors National Influenza Vaccination Week

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. - Dec. 19, 2014 - PRLog -- Doctors Express Englewood is preparing for a potentially severe flu season after the CDC reported that this season's strains are particularly malicious due to potency of the H3N2 strain as well as genetic differences in the viruses in circulation compared to the ones used while manufacturing the flu shot.

As such, Dr. Irit Gordon, Lead Physician and owner of AFC/Doctors Express Urgent Care urges patients to get vaccinated. "This week is National Influenza Vaccination Week, and according to the CDC, flu season generally starts in the fall and peaks in January or February -- so this time of year is the perfect time to get yourself or a loved one a flu shot at your doctor’s office, certified pharmacy, or urgent care center," Gordon said.

While there are currently four different strains of influenza in circulation, the dominant strain, H3N2, is particularly potent. The strain has nearly doubled the rate of hospitalizations and deaths within the past year in those who are most vulnerable including children, the elderly, and those suffering from chronic illness, according to Thomas Frieden, director of the CDC.

Dr. Gordon encourages patients to be cautious of exposure to the virus in public places. "Any place where many people are found, in a closed space, can increase one's risk of being exposed to the flu. This includes movie theaters, airplanes, offices, banks, supermarkets, and shopping malls, just to name a few," Gordon said.

According to the CDC, creating an effective flu shot can be difficult. While the flu vaccine is distributed during the fall and winter, it's produced months before during the spring. Scientists sample current flu viruses in circulation in order to predict which ones will be circulating during the flu season, causing the discrepancy in the molecular makeup of the viruses found in the vaccine and the ones circulating. However, the CDC still recommends that individuals six months and older receive vaccinations, as partial protection is better than none.

While they cannot prevent the flu, antiviral medications are often prescribed to address flu symptoms. "Anti-virals have been shown to decrease the duration and severity of flu symptoms, as well as to prevent serious complications such as pneumonia. These drugs are particularly important for people who have an underlying high risk medical condition," Dr. Gordon said.

About Doctors Express Englewood

Doctors Express Englewood is an urgent care clinic that offers a wide variety of health and medical care. The clinic can help treat ear infections, flu symptoms, broken bones and more. Along with a convenient location, Doctors Express Englewood also offers after hour care. To learn more, visit www.doctorsexpressenglewood.com.