Company officials recently announced that area Food City Pharmacy locations will once again be providing the flu vaccine this immunization season.
“Food City’s immunizing pharmacists are certified to administer vaccinations in accordance with the standards set forth by the American Pharmacists Association and the corresponding state pharmacy associations,” says Mickey Blazer, Food City executive vice president of pharmacy operations. “Food City Pharmacy also offers the added convenience of a number of affordable preventative health care options, including the COVID-19 vaccine, shingles, pneumococcal, and RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) vaccine.”
Seasonal flu vaccine provides protection against the most common strains of influenza. Vaccinations are available on a walk-up basis at Food City immunizing pharmacies and will continue throughout flu season, based upon vaccine availability. Visit foodcity.com for a complete list of immunizing locations.
Food City Pharmacy will be following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Guidelines. While all individuals are encouraged to receive a flu shot, the CDC strongly recommends vaccination for individuals considered high risk. High risk individuals include persons 65 or older, residents of long-term care facilities, persons 2-64 years of age with comorbid (more than one) conditions, and pregnant women. The CDC also recommends the flu shot for healthcare personnel who provide direct patient care and household contacts or caregivers of children under 6 months of age. Food City Pharmacists can immunize individuals 12 years and older.
Trivalent flu vaccines are available, including those recommended for individuals 65 years of age and older. Insurance, including Medicare Part B, will be accepted, many with a zero copay. Other vaccines, including, pneumonia, and shingles shots will be available as well. Please consult your local Food City Pharmacy or visit foodcity.com for details.
Flu viruses are most common during the fall and winter months. Influenza activity often begins to increase in October and November. Most of the time, flu activity peaks between December and February and can last as late as May.
“Food City takes pride in serving our community and we’re proud to once again offer our loyal customers the added convenience of flu vaccinations,” said Steven C. Smith, Food City president and chief executive officer.
Betsi James is the special events manager for the Food City Knoxville division.
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We are often told that this is “flu season”. When I did a quick search online, I found that in the US flu season starts about October and goes through May. Peak flu activity is December to March. We are also often told that the “best” way to prevent flu is with the flu vaccine.
I’d like to challenge what you have been told. I don’t think “Flu Season” is the correct term. I think the flu is simply the effect and not the cause. Sure, we don’t get enough sunshine and therefore vitamin D since it is colder weather and we stay inside more and that could decrease our immune systems. I still don’t think that is the cause… I’ve even heard people say that it’s because we are in closer contact with other people so it spreads more and faster…. Nope, still don’t think that is the main cause.
Here is what I think is the cause and what we should be calling this time of year instead of “flu season”: it is Sugar Season! Follow me here while I give you a little story time-line…
October: Halloween is at the end of the month. We see the candy hit the shelves in vast quantities before the end of September. People often stock up on the candy they “plan to give out to the kids on Halloween night”. Many actually have to repurchase before that night since all the candy has already been consumed! (they may also not actually have any trick-or-treaters at all!)
November: Thanksgiving. Lots of food! Lots of dessert!! Need I say more??
December: Christmas! Parties….often several of them. Family get-togethers, again, often several. Plenty of food and desserts to go around here, too!
January: Happy New Year! Let’s toast with some champagne and snacks, and treats, and some more alcohol! (Starting to get the picture?)
February: Valentine’s Day! Chocolate!!! Those strange candy hearts with phrases on them!
March/April (depending on the year): Easter! Bunny’s laying chocolate eggs…lots of baskets filled with sweet treats and hunts with treats as well.
May: Time to get outside and start having picnics in the sunshine. More about the grill and less about the sweets.
Get the picture? From October to March/April we are loaded with holidays that seem to focus on sugary desserts. Starting in about May through September we are more focused on being outside and grilling rather than quite as many sweets. I’m not saying there are none, but there seems to be less. Add in additional sunshine and movement and our immune systems are simply more likely to be stronger during the summer.
Here is what sugar does to your immune system: it decreases your immune system’s ability to detect and fight invaders by 50%!! And it does so for about 5 hours! See why I think it should be called “sugar season” instead of “flu season”?
Knowing this about sugar and your immune system, do we really need a flu shot? (There are risks with any medical treatment that goes in your body and the flu shot is no exception!) Instead, how about we be mindful of what we choose to consume this time of year. I will cover more on this next month as well. For now, let that Halloween candy stay on the shelves. If you want a sweet treat, try to pick a healthier option. This can sometimes just mean you make it at home with healthier ingredients that buying already prepared. Stick to eating the things you REALLY like. Don’t just put anything in there! The more mindful you are of how much sugar you are consuming the more likely your immune system will be strong enough to fight off even the most stubborn viruses.
Also, a lack of vitamin D, as well as other essential minerals and nutrients that get zapped from the body. This happens when the body is depleted due to the drug mugging effect of prescription meds. Poor sleep and stress get thrown into the mix as well.
Take care of your body and it will take care of you. Our body is intelligent if we allow it to be.
Our expert, Dr. Charlie Barnett has written on the dangers of consuming too much sugar so something to consider when one is not as healthy as they want to be: sugar cause.