Be prepared – the height of flu season is right around the corner

As the height of flu season approaches, Nashoba Valley Medical Center (NVMC), a part of the Steward Health Care System, is encouraging residents living in the region to protect themselves by getting flu vaccines.

“Flu is a very serious illness. Last year, 200,000 patients were admitted to hospitals across the United States with the flu and for some the illness was fatal,” said Salvatore Perla, president of Nashoba Valley Medical Center. “The virus can spread rapidly so reducing the spread is crucial and a vaccination is the single most effective way to prevent the flu. All of our staff are required to get an annual flu vaccine, or to wear a mask in patient areas if not yet inoculated.”

The timing and duration of flu season varies from year to year, but it can begin as early as October and last until late May. A vaccination can be given, however, any time during the flu season.

“Our patients’ health and well-being are always a top priority, especially during flu season,” said Timothy Eddy, DO, a family medicine physician at the Steward Lunenburg Family Practice, which is affiliated with Nashoba Valley Medical Center.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends an influenza (flu) shot or nasal vaccine spray for all individuals 6 months of age and older. People who should specifically receive a flu vaccine because they may be at a higher risk for complications or negative consequences include: children age 6 months through 4 years; pregnant women; people 50 years old or older; people age 6 months and older with chronic health problems; health care workers; out-of-home caregivers of children less than 6 months old; and caregivers of people who live with a person at high risk for complications from the flu.

Flu shots are available at several Steward primary care practices affiliated with Nashoba Valley Medical Center. For more information about flu vaccinations, or to schedule an appointment, contact one of the following locations: Steward Lunenburg Family Practice, 697 Massachusetts Avenue in Lunenburg, 978-582-4587; Steward Nashoba Family Medicine, 1 Forge Village Road in Groton, 978-449-0282; Steward Nashoba Medical Associates, 198 Groton Road, Suite 2 in Ayer, 978-796-5927; Steward Townsend Family Practice, 18 Main Street, Suite 104 in Townsend, 978-597-9091; and Steward Groton Internal Medicine, 497 Main Street in Groton, 978-449-0471.

About Nashoba Valley Medical Center

Nashoba Valley Medical Center (NVMC) offers community-based primary care and specialty services. NVMC was awarded an A, the highest grade possible, in hospital safety by the Leapfrog Group, and recipient of the Joint Commission Gold Seal of Approval. Areas of clinical strength include emergency medicine, diagnostic imaging, cardiology, gastroenterology, ophthalmology, oncology, orthopedics, physical therapy and general surgery. NVMC also offers a comprehensive Diabetes and Endocrine Center, Travel Clinic and Occupational Health Services. Nashoba Valley Medical Center is part of the Steward Health Care System LLC, the largest integrated community care organization in New England which combines over 3,000 physicians, 10 acute care hospital campuses, managed care, insurance programs, home care, an imaging operation, and a number of other post-acute services, to provide the most cost effective and highest quality of integrated patient care. Additional information is available at www.nashobamed.org.

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