In 2018, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimated that in the United States there were nearly 50 million cases of influenza, with 1 million hospitalizations and 8,000 deaths from the flu.
Certain populations are at greater risk for complications from influenza, including children less than 6 months of age, adults over the age of 65, and those with chronic illnesses like asthma or heart disease, or those who are immunocompromised. Diabetics, smokers and pregnant women are also at increased risk.
At Iredell Occupational Medicine, we want to partner with your organization to keep your employees as healthy as possible. The flu season in North Carolina will continue through winter and early spring.
Flu symptoms include fever, chills and cough or sore throat. They may also include runny nose, body aches, headache, fatigue and tiredness, diarrhea, and nausea or vomiting. Influenza is easily spread to others at home and work and into the community.
The best management for the flu is prevention. At Iredell Occupational Medicine, we have doses of the quadrivalent flu injection vaccine readily available for immediate use at your company. Our team can even come to your company to administer these flu shots.
We have also developed a rapid flu response process for those exposed to others with influenza, or those with flu symptoms as listed above. If any of your employees need flu evaluation or testing, we will do so quickly, thereby minimizing the risk of spread of influenza to others. Our process is streamlined and efficient, minimizing lost time or absenteeism and returning employees to work quickly and safely.
At our office, no appointments are needed. We are open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM until 6:00 PM.
Any of your employees may simply walk in and be rapidly evaluated for their symptoms. Weight times are minimal. Our process is simple:
- Patient arrives
- Mask is applied and hands cleansed with hand sanitizer provided
- Register at the front desk
- Patient is taken back rapidly for evaluation
- Flu testing is obtained on an as-needed basis
- An examination is performed and a diagnosis made
- Medications needed are sent immediately to the pharmacy
- Handouts and influenza education are given to the patient and readily available for family and friends
Please call Iredell Occupational Medicine at 980.444.2630 with any questions.