Health Care Question of the Month

Question: Is it too late to get a seasonal flu shot? What about the H1N1 vaccine?

Answer: If you haven't yet received your seasonal flu or H1N1 vaccinations, the Columbia St. Mary's Infection Prevention Team says there is still time to protect yourself.

Seasonal Flu Vaccine
The seasonal flu typically peaks between January and March, so there are several weeks to go before another flu season is behind us. Columbia St. Mary's is committed to keeping you healthy by offering seasonal flu shots in your neighborhood. Read more about Columbia St. Mary's seasonal flu clinics.

H1N1 Vaccination
Although the prevalence of swine flu has decreased, Columbia St. Mary's still encourages the public to get the H1N1 vaccine in order to protect themselves from a predicted third wave of the virus. Learn more about Columbia St. Mary's and the H1N1 vaccine. 

General Flu Information
Columbia St. Mary’s is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for patients, visitors and employees. If you have flu symptoms such as fever, headache, fatigue, dry cough, sore throat, nasal congestion and body aches, we advise you to stay at home.

Help prevent the spread of germs by following these simple rules: 

• Use a tissue to cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze.
  
• Drop your used tissue into a waste basket after use.
  
• You may be asked to wear a mask if you are coughing or sneezing.
  
• Wash your hands with soap and warm water or clean with gels or wipes with alcohol.
  
• Cleaning your hands often keeps you from spreading germs.