A growing body of evidence shows that getting your annual flu shot, the vaccine meant to protect you against the seasonal influenza virus and serious complications related to influenza infection, can lower your risk of heart attack and stroke.
A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine in 2018 found that the inflammation that occurs during a case of the flu can trigger a heart attack. More recent evidence suggests that the widespread inflammation can rupture the buildup of cholesterol in the vessel walls, which can causes the formation of a blood clot, leading to heart attack or stroke. These studies showed that even a mild flu translated to a doubled rick of heart attack and stroke in the two weeks following diagnosis, and a quadruple risk in those patients already diagnosed with heart disease.
All of this evidence points clearly to the benefits of receiving the annual flu shot, especially for those who suffer from heart disease and other cardiovascular conditions, like high blood pressure and high cholesterol.
The Richland County Health Department will be holding its annual drive-thru mass flu shot clinic at the Richland County Fire Hall in Sidney on Thursday, Sept. 19, from 10 a.m.- 6 p.m. The Drive-Thru Clinic will serve adults only, and offers both regular and high-dose flu shots. No other shots will be given during the clinic. No COVID-19 vaccine will be given. No appointment is needed. Flu shots cannot be given to those who have animals in their vehicles. Children may be in the vehicle, but may not receive flu shots. Private insurance, Medicare and Medicaid will be billed for those who bring their insurance cards. Follow traffic signs to enter the Fire Hall from the North side.
Flu shots are available for those 6 months and older at the Richland County Health Department during normal clinic hours by appointment, from 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday through Wednesday. Additional clinic hours are the second Wednesday until 6 p.m., and the third Thursday of the month, from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1-4 p.m. by appointment. Check the Department Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/RichlandCountyHealthDepartment for changes to regular clinic hours. For further information or to inquire about group billing, contact the Richland County Health Department at 406-433-2207.
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