With the Arkansas Department of Health already reporting around 90 cases of influenza in the state of Arkansas, local health officials are urging residents to get vaccinated.
"We are already starting to see sporadic cases of flu," Dr. Kathy Liverett, adult and pediatric infectious diseases physician for National Park Medical Center, said recently in a news release.
"The Arkansas Department of Health reported 90 cases just last week. We hear all the time that it's too early for flu season, but it's here, and you want to protect yourself and your family."
There are several misconceptions about flu vaccines, but Liverett said it's always better to be prepared.
"It's not uncommon to have aches and pains in your arm, and to me that's a good sign that your body is building antibodies to defend against an infection," she said. "It can take around two weeks for your body to develop these antibodies, so getting your shot early is key."
The flu vaccine is readily available this year, Barbara Chesshir, infection preventionist for NPMC, said in the release.
Since Oct. 6, Chesshir has been giving NPMC employees flu vaccines, and said the vaccine can be obtained at the Garland County Health Department, physician offices, and area pharmacies.
For anyone who is concerned whether this season's vaccine will protect against this season's strain, Liverett said so far it seems to be a good match between vaccine and influenza strain.
"Patients often have concerns about the effectiveness of the vaccine and I always tell them if you haven't got the vaccine, you have zero protection this flu season," she said. "It's better to be protected."
Liverett said for her, personally, getting the flu vaccine early is vital for keeping those around her healthy.
"For me, it's about keeping my patients protected, because they're relying on me to make them well," she said. "I also need to keep my family protected and healthy. I've got to be healthy to take care of others."
Local on 10/22/2017