Hospitals preparing for arrival of flu season

COATESVILLE » As hospitals in Chester County prepare for the annual arrival of seasonal influenza, while still managing COVID- 19, the health system is working to ensure it has all necessary resources in place to meet the community’s health care needs.

While COVID- 19 is still prevalent in Chester County, Tower Health will not be hosting community flu vaccination clinics as in previous years. This year community members are encouraged to schedule an appointment with their primary care physician ( PCP) or advance practice provider ( APP) or visit any one of Tower Health Urgent Care 25 locations to receive the annual vaccine.

“Aflu shot is the best way to protect yourself and your family from the flu,” said Debra Powell MD, Chief, Section of Infectious Diseases and Medical Director, Infection Prevention at Reading Hospital – Tower Health. “The vaccine can also help reduce risk for individuals most vulnerable to serious flu complications, including young babies, pregnant women, older adults, and those with compromised immune systems. It is important to remember that youmay be able to pass the flu to someone else before you know you are sick. Healthy adults may be able to infect others a full day before their symptoms develop and up to five to seven days after becoming ill.”

To help prevent the spread of flu Tower Health recommends everyone perform frequent hand hygiene with soap and water or alcohol hand sanitizer; avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth; wear a face mask; practice respiratory hygiene by covering your sneeze or cough when not face masked; disinfect high touch common areas frequently ( phones, computers, tablets) and continue to practice social distancing.

Flu and COVID- 19 are both contagious respiratory illnesses that are caused by different viruses. The signs and symptoms of flu and COVID- 19 can be similar including:

• Fever higher than 100° F

• Cough

• Shortness of breath

• Fatigue ( very tired)

• Sore throat

• Muscle pain

• Headache COVID- 19 can also cause non- flu- like symptoms, including loss of taste or smell.

For additional information on symptoms of flu, COVID- 19, andthe cold visit https://www.towerhealth.org/covid- 19/seasonal- fluinformation/.

Individuals showing symptoms of seasonal flu or COVID- 19 should contact their PCP or APP to determine appropriate next steps for further evaluation.

“Getting a flu shot is an important step to take to protect yourself and others from getting sick,” said Scott D. McCurley, MD, FACEP, Chief Medical Officer and Department of Emergency Medicine Chairman at Brandywine Hospital .“Flu shots are administered at several Tower Health Urgent Care offices located within Brandywine Hospital’s service area. In addition to getting the vaccine, please follow guidelines that are similar to slowing the spread of COVID- 19, such as washing your hands often, keeping a safe distance from others, wearing a face mask, and disinfecting surfaces often.”