Walgreens Health Corner

With fall and winter approaching, it is important to start thinking about flu season and the steps that you can take to protect yourself from influenza. Influenza, or the flu, is a contagious illness that is spread by the influenza virus. The effects of this virus can range from mild to very severe and typically involve the nose, throat, and lungs. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an estimated 37.4-42.9 million flu related illnesses occurred last season alone. The CDC also reports that adults over the age of 65 are at the greatest risk for serious complications related to the influenza virus. Furthermore, the CDC states that, in conjunction with everyday preventions (washing hands and covering coughs and sneezes), the most important step in preventing you and your community from coming down with the flu is to get the latest flu vaccine every year.

Another important disease that adults over the age of 65 should be aware of and take steps to prevent is pneumococcal pneumonia. The disease is characterized by an infection of the lungs that can lead to coughing, fever, wheezing, and difficulty breathing. Pneumonia ranges in severity from mild to severe and is typically very treatable. However, in patients under 5, older than 65, or patients with asthma, diabetes, or other specific conditions, the disease can become very severe. Luckily, there are steps that people can take to decrease their chances of pneumococcal infection including washing hands, disinfecting commonly touched surfaces, and making healthy choices like managing health conditions and quitting smoking. Additionally, like influenza, there is a vaccine recommended for those at highest risk of pneumococcal pneumonia or its complications. Talk to your pharmacist to see which pneumonia vaccine is right for you.

At Walgreens, we aim to protect the health and well-being of the communities we serve through immunizations. Flu and pneumonia vaccines, as well as others – are available at Walgreens pharmacies without an appointment or a prescription from your doctor (subject to availability, and age, state and health related restrictions may apply). Additionally, the flu vaccine is free to the patient with most insurance, and the pneumococcal vaccine is available at no cost to the patient with most Medicare plans. Furthermore, when getting an immunization at Walgreens, you’re also helping a child in need through our Get a Shot. Give a Shot. campaign. For every flu shot or other vaccine administered at a Walgreens pharmacy or Healthcare Clinic between now and January 31, 2020, Walgreens will donate the value of a life-saving vaccine to a child in need, up to an aggregate donation value of $2.6 million.

Walgreens expert pharmacists are available to discuss recommended vaccines and answer questions you may have about immunizations. Additional information regarding vaccines and store information is available on walgreens.com and the Walgreens mobile app.

*This article is sponsored by Walgreens and the opinions and information are not necessarily those of Aging Ahead.