Collin County Living Well Magazine Winter 2014 | Page 36

ARE YOU A TARGET FOR THE FLU?
By Ramesh Amara, M.D., and Carlyle Stewart, M.D., MPH, FACP

Here we go again. It’s high time for runny noses, sore throats,
fever, body aches and the like. In other words, it’s flu season.
For seniors, a good defense this time of year starts with
a good offense: getting the flu vaccine early. Flu season usually peaks in January or February, but it can
occur as late as May. While early immunization is most
effective, it is not too late to get vaccinated in December, January
or beyond. Since
it can take up to
two weeks for the
vaccination
to
provide protection against the
flu virus, it is best
to aim for getting a flu shot in
the fall before the
dreaded bug really gets going.
“Many seniors we see in our office inquire about the
importance of getting a flu shot every season,” said
Carlyle Stewart, M.D., of West Plano Internal Medicine. “I let them know that as they age, their immune
system weakens. This weakenin