Get Prepared For the Flu Season

No one wants to get the flu. Since antibiotics won't help the flu or cold viruses, the single best way to help prevent the flu is to get a flu shot each fall. It takes from two to four weeks for your body to develop immunity once you receive the flu shot.

Starting October 20th, we will be offering a walk-in clinic from 10AM – 2PM, Monday through Friday, at Medical Office Building East located at our main campus at 401 Bicentennial Way as well as our Rohnert Park and Stein Campus.

Children and families can receive their flu vaccination from 2PM – 5:30PM, Monday through Thursday, and 10AM – 2PM on Fridays at our Pediatrics clinic located at our Stein campus, 3925 Old Redwood Hwy.

These walk-in clinics will be available at all three locations starting October 20th and run through November 26th.

You can get clinic information by calling the Flu Hotline number (1-800-KP-FLU-11). You can listen to the free message in English or Spanish.

Tips for Flu Season

• Keep 'em clean. Hand washing is the most important thing you can do to keep from getting and spreading colds and the flu. Using just plain soap and warm water is as effective as using antibacterial products. Carry an alcohol-based hand gel (such as Purell) to use when you can't wash.
• Cover your cough. Cold and flu viruses are spread by airborne particles. Cough and sneeze into your sleeve or a tissue instead of your hands, if possible. If you do use your hands, wash them as soon as you can.
• Avoid touching your face. Cold and flu viruses are often spread by touching something or someone that is contaminated with germs and then rubbing your eyes or nose, or touching your mouth.
• Clean surfaces (such as counter tops, telephones, toys, cups, bathroom sinks) that sick children or adults may have contaminated.
• Stay healthy. Eat a healthy diet and exercise to keep your immune system working its best.
• Get plenty of rest. Sleep helps build your body's natural defenses for fighting off infection.
• Reduce stress. Chronic stress can compromise your immune system.

Because the flu can cause serious complications for certain people, a flu shot is especially important for:

• All children 6 months to 18 years old.
• Anyone 50 or older.
• Anyone with a chronic health condition.
• Women who are pregnant during flu season.
• Health care workers.
• Residents of nursing homes and other chronic-care facilities.
• Anyone living with or caring for someone in one of the above categories or a child younger than 6 months.

Flu season generally runs from late fall through early spring.

If you don't get to one of our flu clinics this fall, we anticipate that the flu vaccine will be available from your primary care physician through March.

Coping with Colds and Flu

If have been diagnosed as having an illness (such as flu) caused by a virus, home remedies and over-the-counter medicines can ease your symptoms so that you feel better while your body heals itself. Antibiotics do not cure viral illnesses or help you to get better faster. In fact, antibiotics can be harmful if taken when not needed. Over-the-counter treatments can help you feel better while your body's own defenses fight the virus. Read More

If you have not improved in a few days, or if new symptoms occur, or if you have other concerns, please call or return to the office for a recheck.