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Posted October 14, 2010 | Filed in Flu Shots, Flu Tips, Press Releases
FLU CLINICS GO SOCIAL
Maxim Health Systems Puts Power in the Hands of Consumers Online
COLUMBIA, MD – October 14, 2010 – Maxim Health Systems, a division of Maxim Healthcare Services, Inc., has created several online tools to educate the public on flu season. These resources, including the Flu Blog, the Online Flu Shot Locator Widget, Flu Shot E-mail and Text Message Reminders, and Flu Shot Reminder E-Cards, were developed to help remind and empower the public to make healthy and informed choices during the 2010 flu season.
“Vaccination is an important part of staying healthy during flu season,” said Steve Pellito, Director of Wellness at Maxim Health Systems. “When it comes to their health, patients deserve accurate and easily accessible information. It is our goal to help the public to better navigate this year’s flu season with the tools we have developed.”
The Pew Internet & American Life Project reported that eight in ten internet users have searched online for health information. In addition, many patients have stated that the internet has had a significant impact on the way they care for themselves or for others.
Responding to this need, Maxim Health Systems launched new tools to empower the public, in conjunction with healthcare professionals, to more effectively manage their health during flu season.
The Full List of Online Social Tools from Maxim Health Systems:
Text Message Reminders
Once users have searched for and found a clinic in their area, they can schedule a text message reminder by clicking “Remind Me Via Text” and entering their phone number and mobile carrier. A text message alert will be sent the morning of the clinic containing the location, address, and time of the clinic that was requested. Text messaging and data rates may apply.
Flu Shot E-mail Reminders
This resource allows users to search for a clinic and then request a reminder by e-mail. After searching for clinics in their area, users can schedule an e-mail reminder by clicking “Remind Me Via E-mail” and entering their name and e-mail address. An e-mail with all clinic information will be sent the day before the clinic.
Online Flu Shot Locator Widget
Maxim Health Systems has created a widget that allows all Web site and blog owners to install an online flu shot locator on their own sites. The widget code is located on Maxim’s microsite (info.findaflushot.com). If you download the widget to your site, you can share flu clinic information and flu news with your own Web site visitors.
Flu Shot Reminder E-Cards
Reminding friends and loved ones to get vaccinated this season is easy, with virtual cards from Maxim Health Systems. To get started just choose an image, fill out the form, and send!
Flu Blog
Hosted by the Maxim Health Systems’ Flu Resource Center, the Flu Blog provides regular updates on flu-related topics including the benefits of flu vaccination and tips for minimizing flu exposure for seniors, families, and students returning to school. Also, subscribe to the blog via RSS.
About Maxim Health Systems
Maxim Health Systems is a division of Maxim Healthcare Services, Inc. Established in 1996, Maxim Health Systems offers a full line of comprehensive wellness services to Corporate and retail clients, in addition to schools, senior living facilities, and physician offices. We provide a variety of services including immunization programs, health screenings and health fairs. Our flu vaccine program has administered more than 12 million immunizations in the last four years alone. Together with Maxim Healthcare Services, we have branch locations in most metropolitan areas across the nation. For more information contact us at www.findaflushot.com/contact.php. Follow Maxim Healthcare Services on Twitter at @findaflushot.
Posted October 12, 2010 | Filed in Flu Shots, Flu Tips, Risk/Priority Groups
As we head into this flu season, it becomes all the more important to keep in mind the risk factors we carry that make us more susceptible to the flu. Many of us have heard about the commonly known conditions that put someone at a higher risk for developing complications from the flu, such as diabetes, heart disease, and pregnancy. But there‘s another one out there that many people may not realize: obesity.
Not only does obesity make people more likely to develop heart problems, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and certain cancers, one survey also indicates that there may be a connection between obesity and flu severity. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), people who are considered morbidly obese (Body Mass Index, or BMI, of 40 or greater), are more likely to get complications from the flu that result in being hospitalized and occasionally result in death. Pneumonia, bronchitis, sinus infections, and ear infections are examples of flu-related complications.
The most recent statistics about obesity are quite alarming and point out that 33 percent of the U.S. population is obese. Research has also shown that as weight increases to reach levels referred to as “overweight” and “obese,” the risks for conditions like coronary heart disease, sleep apnea, respiratory disorders, and type 2 diabetes also increases.[i] The flu can also make these chronic health problems worse. Taking this into account along with all other subsets of the population that are at a higher risk of getting complications from the flu, it becomes more and more apparent how important it is for people to be proactive in getting their flu shot.
Not sure where to get a flu shot? Use our flu shot locator to find flu shot clinics in your area.
1NIH, NHLBI Obesity Education Initiative. Clinical Guidelines on the Identification, Evaluation, and Treatment of Overweight and Obesity in Adults. Available online:
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/guidelines/obesity/ob_gdlns.pdf (PDF-1.25Mb)
Posted October 11, 2010 | Filed in Flu Shots, Flu Tips, Risk/Priority Groups
After a long hot summer, fall is here. And the fall/winter season also means cold and flu season
In 2009, with the emergence of the first global influenza pandemic in more than 40 years, organizations and businesses were preparing for the worst, fearing the possibility of widespread illness, substantial absenteeism, and other business disruptions. Compared to last year, the current media hype surrounding the flu seems relatively non-existent. But don’t let that deceive you as we head into this flu season. Now is not the time to let down your guard, either personally or professionally.
Despite the fact that the peak of flu season does not typically occur until January or February, and the uncertainties around how bad this flu season will be, we do know one thing for sure- that the flu shot is the best way to protect yourself and those around you. According to a recent post by Dr. Paul Biddinger* on the Harvard Business Review’s “Your Health at Work” blog, getting your shot is the most important thing you can do for yourself, your co-workers, family, and friends. This is because it is possible to transmit the flu for one or two days before you actually start feeling sick, and therefore the time you could unknowingly spread the virus to those around you. It is best to get your flu shot earlier rather than later because your body needs time to develop antibodies in preparation for the peak season, as well as your best protection against an early arrival of flu season. As of October 7th, 2010 the CDC has lab confirmed cases of influenza from each of the three strains included in the seasonal flu vaccine.
The more people who get vaccinated the better it is for your family, workplace, and community. Many companies offer employee vaccination programs, making it easy for you to conveniently receive your flu shot right at work. If your company doesn’t have an employee vaccination program, urge your employer to get one to make it easier for you and your coworkers to get the flu shot. (This video and this article could help you in giving them the 411 on Flu in the Workplace.) Remember, it isn’t good for you, your co-workers, or your employer if you are going to work sick.
So as you get ready for the fall season, remember —one simple flu shot will give you the best possible protection against the flu. Get yours today-find a convenient location now at www.findaflushot.com.
* Dr. Paul D. Biddinger, a practicing emergency physician, is the Associate Director of the Center for Public Health Preparedness at the Harvard School of Public Health and the Medical Director for Emergency Preparedness at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston.
Posted October 4, 2010 | Filed in Flu Shots, Flu Tips, Risk/Priority Groups
The outbreak of whooping cough, also known as pertussis, in Texas, California, and other states this year highlights the significant importance of widespread vaccination coverage. Vaccination of children and adults can prevent pertussis, and experts say that the lack of vaccine coverage among adults in the US is one of the main reasons for the upsurge of this disease over the last two years[i].
This brings up the concept of ‘herd immunity’. Herd immunity is an important part of protecting the community against illnesses such as pertussis or influenza. Infants, who are too young to be immunized against the flu or whooping cough, are at particular risk. Because vaccinated people have antibodies that neutralize a virus, they are much less likely to transmit that virus to other people. Therefore, even people who have not been vaccinated, as well as those whose vaccinations may have become weakened over time, can often be shielded from the virus by ‘herd immunity’ because vaccinated people around them are not getting sick.
Health officials recommend that parents and caretakers receive their flu vaccines and pertussis booster shots to extend their immunity to these diseases and lower the risk to infants[ii]. Herd immunity is more effective as the percentage of people vaccinated increases. It is thought that on average approximately 90 percent of the people in the community must be protected by a vaccine to achieve herd immunity[iii]. People who are not immunized increase the chance that they and others will get sick.
This flu season, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has made a universal recommendation that everyone over the age of 6 months receive the seasonal flu shot. The flu vaccine is the best way to protect your family against the disease. Children less than 6 months of age are too young to be vaccinated against influenza, but they are at the greatest risk of hospitalization for it[iv]. Therefore, this year, and every year, in order to best protect yourself and those around you who are under the age of 6 months, at high risk for contracting influenza, or unable to get the vaccine, it is critical for you and any other household contacts or caregivers to get vaccinated.
Have you gotten your flu shot yet? Protect your family and everyone in your household from the flu, get your flu shot today and remind your friends to do the same!
[i] http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2010-09/bc-ic092810.php
[ii] http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2010-09/bc-ic092810.php
[iii] http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-herd-immunity.htm
[iv]http://www.preventchildhoodinfluenza.org/families/10_reasons_to_get_vaccinated_pediatric_flu_prevention.php
Posted September 23, 2010 | Filed in Flu Shots, Flu Tips, Risk/Priority Groups
After witnessing a pandemic last year as H1N1 spread far and wide, as this flu season officially kicks off it is critical to do your part by staying healthy and keeping those around you healthy too. Everyone over the age of six months is encouraged to get a flu shot and to get it early. (See who should/shouldn’t be vaccinated here) We all know that it is particularly important for pregnant women, individuals with chronic diseases such as asthma or diabetes, and people over the age of 65 to get their flu shots as they are considered higher risk for getting the flu, however, nobody is immune. Whether you are a doctor or “Dr.” Mom, you should get vaccinated this year to avoid the flu.
An interesting study out this week shows that avoiding the flu may not be the only benefit of the vaccine. The study, which was based in Britain, says that getting a flu shot can also have positive effects in reducing the risk of heart attacks and diabetes.
No one wants to be sick and stuck inside this fall. Getting your flu shot can help you avoid getting the flu and will allow you to enjoy time spent with family and friends. And if getting the shot also happens to reduce your risk for other conditions at the same time, everyone wins.
Get your flu shot today and remind everyone in your life of this same important message by sending our e-card.
Posted September 21, 2010 | Filed in CDC Alerts, Flu Shots, Flu Tips, Risk/Priority Groups
Receiving a flu vaccination is recommended for everyone six months and older, particularly for seniors (65 and over), residents of nursing homes, and other high-risk groups. As we age, our ability to fight off infection, including influenza and the common cold becomes more difficult. The flu facts for this age group are alarming and should be taken very seriously. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 9 out of 10 flu-related deaths and 60 percent of flu-related hospitalizations occur within the senior population.1
So how do those who are 65 plus prevent the flu and its potentially life-threatening complications? The first step that the CDC recommends is to get a flu shot. The 2010-2011 flu vaccine contains protection against three flu strains, including the H1N1 virus.
In addition to getting a flu shot, other steps that seniors can take to prevent the flu, as well as the common cold are to practice healthy behaviors, such as:
- Frequent hand washing
- Use of an alcohol-based hand sanitizer when on-the-go
- Staying away from others when they are sick
- Covering coughs and sneezes
- Discarding used tissues
- Avoiding touching of the eyes, nose, and mouth
- Eating balanced meals and drinking plenty of fluids
- Getting enough sleep (7-8 hours each night)
Finally, seek medical attention if you begin to notice flu-like symptoms, including fever, body aches, headache, sore throat, cough, runny/stuffy nose, chills, and fatigue. This is the best way to avoid further complications, such as pneumonia.
It is important to keep in mind that by getting a flu shot annually, seniors not only help to protect themselves from the flu, but also their spouses, children, and grandchildren. Stay healthy this season!
Find a flu shot location near you.
E-Mail a Virtual Card to your friends and family so that they remember to get their flu shots too.
Posted September 17, 2010 | Filed in CDC Alerts, Flu Shots, Flu Tips, Risk/Priority Groups
This is the first year the CDC is advising that all people over 6 months of age get their flu shot, regardless of how healthy they are. This is because in 2009, healthy people between the ages of 18-49, once largely unaffected by influenza, became more highly susceptible to the H1N1 flu virus.
Here are five reasons why you should still get the flu vaccine, even if you are young and healthy:
- Getting vaccinated reduces your risk of becoming sick and having to miss school or work as a result.
- The flu can lead to other complications, such as pneumonia, and in extreme cases, be fatal, even if you have a strong immune system.(As evidenced by the 2009 flu season)
- You may carry risk factors you are not aware of that increase your chance of getting the flu.
- Getting vaccinated reduces your risk of becoming infected with the virus and subsequently passing it on to friends and loved ones who are at higher risk, such as infants, pregnant women, or the elderly.
- Getting vaccinated is the single best way to benefit your health and the health of those around you this flu season[1].
In the past, people often thought they should weigh the risk of getting the vaccine against the risk of not getting it. This methodology has changed. In February 2010, the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) voted for “universal” flu vaccination in the U.S. to expand protection against the flu to more people. This includes children as young as 6 months, because the risk to their health is much greater if they do not receive the vaccine. While everyone should get a flu vaccine each flu season, it’s especially important that certain people get vaccinated either because they are at high risk of having serious flu-related complications or because they live with or care for people at high risk for developing flu-related complications.
Getting vaccinated takes only a matter of minutes, it may just be the easiest health decision you’ll ever make.
Find a flu clinic location near you to receive your vaccine today.
1 www.cdc.gov/flu
Posted September 13, 2010 | Filed in Flu Tips
Living in a city or area that has mass transit can be a great help to minimizing commutes and reducing carbon footprints. Sadly, during flu season, mass transit staples like the bus, taxis, or subway can be hotbeds for the flu virus. An ABC News article from 2008 outlines some common techniques that can help minimize your exposure to the flu while riding mass transit.
Below are some tips that can help you stay healthy during your commute this flu season.
- Move
- If someone is coughing or appears sick, move; this simple tip could reduce your exposure to microbes.
- Breathe Shallow
- Don’t run or overly stress yourself to board the train or bus; if you do you may force yourself to take huge breaths that would multiply your exposure to microbes.
- Use alcohol based hand cleaner
- Before and after you board the train or bus, a small dab of alcohol based hand cleaner can effectively reduce the chance of passing bacteria or viruses from your hands to your face.
- Be Strategic
- Poles and straps are magnets for germs. If you can avoid touching them you should. If you have to use a pole try leaning against it or wrapping your arm around the pole so your clothing makes contact and not your hands.
- Wear Gloves
- It may not be practical to wear surgical gloves during your daily commute, but buying a nice pair of leather or knit gloves can reduce the contact you have with surfaces on the bus or train.
Of course, the CDC-recommended best way to protect yourself this flu season is to get a flu shot. But, if you have to use mass transit during the flu season also use these simple tips to help you stay healthy and help prevent the spread of the flu.
To learn more prevention tips or to schedule a flu shot reminder, click here.
Posted September 10, 2010 | Filed in Flu Shots, Flu Tips, Pediatric
It’s back to school time again, where every fall, kids return to or start school for the first time. This marks a time in a child’s life to meet new friends and teachers, and experience new and exciting life events.
With all the excitement and anticipation of starting a new school year comes the increased exposure to germs and illnesses, including influenza. This not only affects children, faculty, and staff, but it can also affect the overall educational experience.
In fact, 38 million school days are lost each year due to the flu.[1] Children can be sick with the flu for a week or more, which may cause them to miss school, have a negative impact on their education, and even lower the average daily attendance of a school.
So what’s the best defense against the flu this fall? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has confirmed that the single best way to prevent influenza is to get the flu vaccine every year. In fact, the CDC recommends that everyone over the age of 6 months receive a flu shot. Maxim Health Systems offers thousands of flu clinics across the country each and every year; search for a clinic in your area today- you don’t want to miss the opportunity to get both yourself and your children vaccinated this year (Maxim’s flu clinic locator provides clinic locations that serve ages 4 and older – contact us with questions about where to receive a flu shot for children 6 months to 4 years).
In addition to the flu vaccine, there are other ways to protect your child from the flu as they head back to school this year, including:
- Explain how the flu is spread and where they can catch the flu
- Teach your children to wash their hands using soap and water for 20 seconds or more
- Share with your child how to sneeze and cough into the crux of their elbow to help keep germs off of their hands
- Let them know that it is important to talk to you when they are feeling ill to help keep everyone healthy
Check out our blog from earlier this month that highlights more helpful tips for protecting your child from the flu.
You can also read our updated flu report for regional and national news/trends regarding the flu this season.
Going back to school is an exciting time in both a child’s and parent’s life. Here’s to a happy and healthy school year!
[1] National Center for Health Statistics
Posted August 24, 2010 | Filed in CDC Alerts, Flu Shots, Flu Tips, Risk/Priority Groups
With the impending flu season right around the corner, there are simple steps you can take to keep you and your family healthy this flu season. We blogged last week about high-risk groups as highlighted by the CDC, including the recommendation that everyone six months of age and older receive a flu shot for the 2010—2011 flu season. The flu shot is the most effective way to protect yourself against flu, but there are also other steps you can take in conjunction with getting vaccinated that offer additional protection against flu. To guard yourself from an unpredictable flu season, Maxim Health Systems recommends practicing these daily steps to minimize your, and your family’s, chances of catching or spreading the flu:
- Wash your hands frequently, and carry antibacterial gels or lotions with you this fall and winter
- Sneeze or cough into your arm or into a tissue, not your hands
- Always take the precaution of staying home from school or work when you have a cough or fever
- Don’t share foods, drinks, or utensils this flu season
- Use antibacterial wipes to clean objects in your home or office that come into contact with many people, i.e.- door knobs, telephones, computer keyboard, refrigerator/microwave handles, etc.
If you do catch the flu this season, stay home for at least 24 hours after any flu symptoms have subsided to avoid infecting others, and always keep in mind that a period of contagiousness lasts a lot longer than you would typically think. According to the CDC:
“You may be able to pass on the flu to someone else before you know you are sick, as well as while you are sick. Most healthy adults may be able to infect others beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 5-7 days after becoming sick. Some people, especially children and people with weakened immune systems, might be able to infect others for an even longer time.”
Finally, the CDC’s number one recommendation for avoiding the flu this season? Make the time to get your flu shot. To learn more about getting a flu shot and to sign up for a reminder, visit www.findaflushot.com.