Flu Shots Available at Northwestern Lake Forest Hospital

Despite the summery weather the area has experienced recently, the flu is already making an appearance in the suburbs and the flu vaccine is available. Northwestern Lake Forest Hospital is offering flu shots from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday for anyone over the age of 6 months. No appointment is needed and walk-ins are welcome. The clinic is located at 800 N. Westmoreland Road, Suite 201 in Lake Forest.

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), “vaccination is the best way to protect yourself from the flu.” Flu viruses are constantly changing and each year a new vaccine is developed to match the current strains of the flu. The CDC recommends that all healthy adults and children over the age of six months get vaccinated for the flu this year and every year.

Symptoms of the flu include a fever of 100 degrees or higher, a cough and/or sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, headaches, body aches, chills, fatigue, or nausea, vomiting or diarrhea. The flu and the common cold have similar symptoms, but in general the flu is worse than the common cold and symptoms will be more intense. If you believe you may have the flu, contact your health care provider to receive a test in the first few days of the illness that will determine if you have the flu.

The flu shot is also available at several other Northwestern suburban clinics, including Deerfield, Evanston, Glenview, Highland Park and Libertyville. For details about location and hours at these clinics, visit nmpg.com/flu-2013. For more information about Northwestern Lake Forest Hospital, visit lfh.org.