A Shot of Prevention for Flu Season

Posted on October 14, 2013 by llpitlwp

This year, I went to CVS Minute Clinic instead of getting my flu shot at work. Hospital policy makes it mandatory that all employees get a flu shot so that we do not expose our patients to the flu.

Minute Clinic was a new experience for me. Since my family is in the medical world, it has always been easy for me to drop by my doctor’s office for a quick shot in the arm so to speak.

CVS simplified my Fall routine. They offered me an opportunity to get a “complimentary” flu shot, which turned out to be a great convenience. Because I have a history mitral valve problems, a flu shot is highly recommended and I take my health very seriously.

Upon arriving at a CVS, not too far from my home…I had to check in on the Minute Clinic computer in the waiting area. It was easy enough, but I could see, where it could be a problem for elderly folks, who may not have computer skills.

Five chairs were available in the waiting area. This was a good sign…it meant that they do not anticipate lengthy wait times so no need for too many seats.

My computer sign-in screen notified me, there were five people ahead of me…good information to share as it established a time frame. The nurse also told us, a few people were there only for flu shots and another nurse was expected back from lunch shortly, so the wait would not be too long.

I breathed a sigh of relief, as I had to be at school pick-up in an hour.

When it was my turn, the Nurse Practitioner reviewed the questions and answers from my computer profile. I signed my consent, got my vaccination, my receipt and was quickly on my way to school pick-up.

I was also given a 20% off coupon for CVS, which I will use on another visit.

This was my first time at a Minute Clinic. It was clean, efficient and friendly. I felt confident with my Nurse Practitioner. She was young, competent and nice. Since I am a nurse, it is my practice to “interview” nurses that take care of me

The real measure of a successful experience is whether or not I would feel comfortable coming to a Minute Clinic for medical care in the future ?… the answer…without reservation, YES.

Would I recommend getting a flu shot this year?..YES…for sure.

Disclosure:

I was given a “free” flu shot from Minute Clinic…all opinions are my own as always.

Flu Season is here…will you get a Flu Shot?

Posted on October 3, 2013 by llpitlwp

I will be getting a flu shot this year. It is mandated at my workplace but that is not the only reason I get vaccinated.

My personal reasons for getting a flu shot every year are:

asthma
age
post mitral valve repair surgery

All of the above would make a case of the flu more serious for me and I do not need a complicated case of the flu.

Fortunately for me, I have several options available as to where to get vaccinated, my doctor’s office, my workplace or Minute Clinic at CVS. I am going to Minute Clinic.

Minute Clinics are available in many areas and you can go there and easily get your Flu Shot. This year there are several options…flu mist, mini needles, or the regular shot. I choose the regular shot. As a nurse, I am not afraid of needles…never really have been.

In a few days, I will be posting about my experience at my local CVS Pharmacy and Minute Clinic, so you can see how easy it is to get vaccinated against this year’s flu.

Kids need flu vaccine too…a case of the flu can keep them out of school causing for missed work for you both…holidays are affected too…I cannot tell you how many holidays have been ruined by some crazy virus, so why take a chance with the flu?

I know vaccinations are not for everyone, this is not up for discussion with me. I vaccinate and will continue to do so. Please do not comment about my choice and I will not comment about yours.

Head over to the Minute Clinic website and learn more about what they offer as the winter and “flu and cold season” approaches,

Flu season is upon us: Get your kids vaccinated

Flu or Cold??? or just sick?

Posted on January 10, 2013 by llpitlwp

This is “flu” season and you can become very sick …it is epidemic in some cities. Even if you have had a flu shot you can come down with Influenza symptoms that were not covered by the “flu vaccine”.

Here in Chicago, some of the hospitals are having to turn people away from their emergency rooms and send them on to another hospital for care due to so many cases of flu.

CVS Minute Clinics can offer you the flu shot if you have not already had one…it is not too late!

CVS Minute Clinics are in many states throughout the country.

Here in Chicagoland, they are clinically affiliated with Advocate Healthcare and are staffed with nurse practitioners and or physician assistants…there may be a Minute Clinic that is convenient to you.

You do not need an appointment and your insurance may cover your visit…if you do not have insurance Minute Clinics accept several forms of payment including credit cards.

If you find yourself in need of vaccinations, a physical, wellness screen or treatment for common family illnesses, you might consider CVS Minute Clinic…if there is one available near you. Their website can also give you information and perhaps answer any questions you might have before you visit a Minute Clinic.

MinuteClinic walk-in medical clinics are staffed by nurse practitioners and physician assistants who provide treatment for common family illnesses and injuries, administer vaccinations, conduct physicals and wellness screenings, and offer monitoring for chronic conditions.

Our practitioners can:

Diagnose, treat and write prescriptions for common family illnesses such as strep throat, bladder infections, pink eye and infections of the ears, nose and throat

Provide common vaccinations for flu, pneumonia, pertussis, and hepatitis, among others

Treat minor wounds, abrasions, joint sprains and skin conditions such as poison ivy, ringworm and acne

Provide a wide range of wellness services, including sports and camp physicals, smoking cessation and TB testing

Offer routine lab tests, instant results and education for those with diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure or asthma

Most services are available for those age 18 months and older, but ages for specific services may vary. To see services available and age restrictions in Massachusetts, click here.

Please check the individual service, and read the following “what to know” sections before your visit.

http://www.minuteclinic.com/flu/

Symptoms	Cold	Flu
fever	rare	usually present
chills	uncommon	fairly common
tiredness	mild	moderate to severe
onset of symptoms	appear gradually	can appear within 3-6 hours
coughing	hacking, productive cough	dry, unproductive cough
sneezing	common	uncommon
stuffy nose	common	uncommon
runny nose	sometimes	common
sore throat	common	uncommon
general aches/pain	slight	common, often severe
chest discomfort	mild-moderate	often severe
headache	uncommon	uncommon