DALLAS, Oct. 23, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Last year's flu season was considered one of the strongest and deadliest in recent decades, according to the CDCi. In preparation for this year's flu season, Concentra, a subsidiary of Humana Inc., offers a flu vaccine to provide greater protection against circulating flu strains.
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In light of last year's early and devastating flu season, Concentra recommends all individuals older than six months should get a seasonal flu vaccine, and to do so soon in order to get the best protection throughout the flu season. In 2012, more Americans got flu shots than ever beforeii, and as this year's flu season gets underway, health officials are urging communities to continue the momentum. Concentra has traditional flu vaccines available at all Concentra medical centers across the country.
"An annual flu vaccine is the single best way to protect yourself from the flu, and this year's new strains offers the greatest protection against circulating flu viruses," said Senior Vice President of Medical Operations Bill Lewis, M.D. "Patients can also increase their protection by getting a flu shot early in the season, and following some common every day health practices to reduce exposure to germs and viruses. However, a flu shot is still the best protection against the flu."
In addition to new flu strains, U.S. health officials report that flu strains are circulating at an earlier and more rapid speed than normaliii. Influenza can easily spread from person to person and symptoms can take up to three days after exposure to develop. Since flu vaccines take up to two weeks to reach full effectiveness, doctors recommend early vaccination to provide early and long-lasting protection against flu strains.
Concentra continues to recommend influenza vaccination for people who have not yet been vaccinated this season and antiviral treatment as early as possible for people who get sick and are at high risk of flu complications. Flu usually peaks in midwinter. Symptoms can include fever, cough, runny nose, head and body aches and fatigue. Some people also suffer vomiting and diarrhea, and some develop pneumonia or other severe complications.
Each year, more than three million people become ill with the fluiv, but it can be avoided. Doctors and experts agree that a flu vaccine is the best defense to reduce the likelihood of becoming ill with the influenza virus. Concentra medical centers are easily accessible destinations for flu prevention. Flu shots are currently available, with no appointment necessary, at all locations.
To find your nearest location or learn more about how you can protect yourself, family and friends, visit www.Concentra.com.
About Concentra
Concentra, a subsidiary of Humana Inc. (NYSE: HUM), is a leading health care company focused on improving America's health, one patient at a time. Through its affiliated clinicians, the company provides occupational medicine, urgent care, physical therapy, and wellness services from more than 320 medical centers in 38 states. In addition to these medical center locations, Concentra serves employers by providing a broad range of health advisory services and operating more than 270 worksite medical facilities. Through this complement of services, Concentra intends to raise the standard of health by putting individuals first, treating them with clinical excellence, and focusing on their ongoing wellness. www.Concentra.com
About Humana
Humana Inc., headquartered in Louisville, Ky., is a leading health care company that offers a wide range of insurance products and health and wellness services that incorporate an integrated approach to lifelong well-being. By leveraging the strengths of its core businesses, Humana believes it can better explore opportunities for existing and emerging adjacencies in health care that can further enhance wellness opportunities for the millions of people across the nation with whom the company has relationships.
More information regarding Humana is available to investors via the Investor Relations page of the company's web site at www.humana.com, including copies of:
- Annual reports to stockholders
- Securities and Exchange Commission filings
- Most recent investor conference presentations
- Quarterly earnings news releases
- Replays of most recent earnings release conference calls
- Calendar of events (including upcoming earnings conference call dates and times, as well as planned interaction with research analysts and institutional investors)
- Corporate Governance information
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http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/health/2013/09/26/flu-vaccinations-rise-but-still-too-low/ |
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Influenza Overview. http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/2003/fs211/en/ |
SOURCE Concentra