The Season for the Sniffles: Flu Season 2023

‘Tis the season for the sniffles. As the summer season comes to an end and fall starts, flu season kicks into high gear. Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) and End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) are at a higher risk for developing more serious symptoms and complications from the flu. It is imperative that CKD and ESRD patients receive the vaccine and protect themselves from the flu. Let’s talk about all things flu- from how to stay safe, vaccines, and symptoms to look out for to keep you safe this season.

Flu season is generally October to May with the peak between December and February. During this time it is increasingly important to follow health guidelines. The following are recommended health and safety practices for the flu season:

• Practice good hand and personal hygiene
  
• Avoid touching your eyes, mouth, and nose with unwashed hands
  
• Wash hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
  
• Stay home when you are sick
  
• Cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing
  
• Stay on top of best practices and procedures for work and school environments
  

Beyond good hygiene practices, getting the flu vaccine is a good way to protect yourself from the flu or severe flu symptoms. Essentially, the injectable flu vaccine is a dead flu virus that works to help your body identify and fight the active/live flu virus. Oftentimes, patients may feel flu-like symptoms after receiving the vaccine, which is normal. What you are experiencing is your immune system's reaction to the introduction of the dead virus. Listed below are locations you can get a flu vaccine:

• Minute Clinic in CVS
  
• Walgreens
  
• Publix Pharmacy
  
• Primary Care practices (that you are established with)
  
• Dialysis Patients ONLY: in-center at your dialysis clinic- inquire with your care team
  
• Flu Vaccine Locator
  

So you know how to keep yourself safe, but what if it doesn’t work and you get sick? Monitor for the following symptoms below:

• Fever and chills
  
• Sore throat
  
• Stuffy or runny nose
  
• Muscle and body aches
  
• Headache
  
• Fatigue
  

The CDC has a great resource for information and FAQs regarding the 2022-2023 flu season. You can find more information from the CDC here.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding the flu season, contact your primary care provider or your local pharmacy. If you are experiencing flu-like symptoms and have an appointment with us, please give us a call at your earliest convenience so we can discuss appointment options. As always, stay safe and healthy!



Resources:
https://www.cdc.gov/flu/prevent/actions-prevent-flu.htm

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