VA North Texas to Host Facebook Town Hall,

“The Flu Shot: Get the Facts” on January 28

DALLAS – VA North Texas Health Care System closely monitors patients with respiratory illness during influenza season.  This year, influenza has been more severe than previous years, particularly in young and middle-aged healthy adults.  Flu symptoms include: fever over 100 degrees, headache, extreme fatigue, sore throat, muscle aches, dry cough, and runny or stuffy nose.  If you have flu symptoms and experience shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, sudden dizziness, or pain or pressure in the chest, seek medical care as quickly as possible.

     The best way to prevent the flu is to get vaccinated every year, and it is not too late to get vaccinated.  If already exposed to influenza, you may have a milder illness if vaccinated.  The flu virus is spread through coughing or sneezing and by touching a hard surface with the virus on it, then touching the nose or mouth. You can also help reduce your risk of flu by washing hands frequently and avoiding those who are sick.

      The VA North Texas Infection Prevention Team, Dr. Brad Cutrell and Dr. Roger Bedimo invite Veterans and their families to participate in a Facebook Town Hall meeting on Tuesday, January 28, 2014 from 9 – 10 a.m. titled, “The Flu Shot: Get the Facts.”  Veterans will have an opportunity to ask these subject matter experts questions and receive immediate answers about influenza in general and about the flu shot.   

     “Like” us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/NorthTexasVA to participate on Tuesday!

Veterans are highly encouraged to visit their primary care teams today for a flu shot – no appointment is necessary.   

Families and survivors of Veterans are encouraged to visit any one of the below clinics for a flu shot:

The Dallas County Health Department provides walk-in clinics for adults and children, whether or not they reside in Dallas County.  There may be a fee of $10; however, vaccination will be provided to those unable to pay:

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VA North Texas Health Care System serves more than 113,000 patients each year, delivering more than 1.4 million outpatient visits to Veterans in 38 North Texas counties and two counties in southern Oklahoma.