Doctor encourages Indiana residents to get yearly flu shot
The fall season generally ushers in more cold and flu reports. Indiana residents are urged to get their yearly flu shot for the best protection. An infected person who coughs, sneezes or talks releases droplets which can travel up to 6 feet and spread the virus when others inhale them. Dr. Ravi Alagugurusamy, medical director of Community GoHealth Urgent Care, said a cold produces a milder cough, minimal body aches and generally no fever. Flu signs , he explained, are sharply different. "Flu symptoms tend to worsen pretty quickly. Those fevers, chills, and those body aches come on pretty fast. Most kids and most adults with the flu are going to run a fever, whereas a cold, the fever may be more low-grade if they're running one," Alagugurusamy outlined. Alagugurusamy pointed out the flu shot takes about two weeks to be fully effective. Now is the ideal time to get one, he added, because the peak flu season is approaching fast. Data from the Mayo Clinic show flu symptoms develop about one to four days after exposure to the virus. Alagugurusamy noted unknowingly touching an infected surface or object is another method of transmission. Everyday hygiene practices to stop the
