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What You Can Do to Prevent the Flu This Season

There are holidays to prepare for, feasts to cook, shopping to get done, end of year deadlines at work – it is a busy time of year. Unfortunately, this is also the time when the flu rears its ugly head. Between now and spring, colds and the flu spread like wildfire across the country. Fortunately, you can prepare for the worst and reduce your flu risk this season.

• Get the shot

First things first, get the flu vaccine. Although flu vaccine effectiveness varies from season to season, it definitely lessens the severity of the flu if you do catch it. For the elderly and for pregnant women, it means fewer complications and hospitalizations.

• Get plenty of rest

Although this is a busy season, you must schedule time for yourself and get plenty of rest. Getting good quality sleep can keep your immune system at its best. If you happen to catch the flu, do yourself a favor – rest and stay hydrated.

• Wash your hands regularly

Maintaining good hygiene before getting sick is imperative to keeping yourself and those around you free from any illness. Keep in mind that washing your hands when you are sick is just as important.  Carry hand sanitizer with you at all times so you can keep your hands germ free when you don’t have access to soap and water.

•  Drink plenty of fluids

Allowing yourself to become dehydrated will cause additional stress on your body, in turn, weakening your immune system. Make sure you are drinking plenty of water and herbal teas instead of sodas and diuretics like coffee.

• Stock up on supplies

Even if you maintain good hygiene, others may not. You never know who is sick around you, so you have to assume the flu is everywhere. In public places, the flu can spread like wildfire. If you do succumb to this illness, have these remedies on hand:

• Fever-reducers (ibuprofen, aspirin)
• Saline drops for the nose
• Cold and sinus medications
• Cough drops
• Antiviral treatments (that may require a doctor’s prescription)
• Thermometer
• Tissues
• Humidifier (to help clear mucus from your sinuses)

Now’s the time to prepare your family for the cold and flu season and take preventative measures to avoid getting sick.

Whether you’re looking to get the flu vaccine or you need medical attention, we can help. At Sand Canyon Urgent Care, our staff will provide treatment for common family illnesses and injuries. For minor to moderate injuries and medical issues, visit or call us today for more information about our Irvine and Stanton centers.

Every parent wants to do what’s best for their children. From choosing the right car seat to installing baby gates, you are always thinking of how to protect your child. But did you know that one of the best ways to protect your kid is to make sure they have all of their vaccinations?

How do vaccines work?

Antibiotics are ineffective against viruses. Vaccinations are designed to protect us from serious, and sometimes even deadly, bacteria and viruses. A vaccine is a weak strain of bacteria or virus that is injected into the body. The body then detects the invaders and instantly creates T-cells and antibodies to fight off the bacteria or virus. As a result, you now know how to destroy the bacteria or virus, which means that your immune system is better prepared for future exposures to that invader.

Are vaccines safe?

Yes! Ongoing research and studies continue to show that vaccines are safe and effective for people of all ages. Every recommended vaccine must go through vigorous tests governed by reputable organizations including the U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Center for Disease Control (CDC). A common concern among parents is about their child getting ill after a vaccine. Keep in mind that the vast majority of children experience only mild symptoms from vaccinations – if any at all.

What can vaccines protect me from?

Immunization has been proved to protect individuals from a wide variety of fatal illnesses. Some of the recommended and more common vaccines include:

• Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B
• Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR)
• Influenza (flu shots)
• Varicella (chickenpox/shingles)
• Gardasil (Human Papillomavirus Virus)
• Polio, Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis
• Meningococcal (Meningitis)

Where can I get a local vaccinations from in Irvine or Stanton?

Whether you need travel vaccinations, vaccinations to bring you up to speed, or vaccines for your child, head to your nearest Sand Canyon Urgent Care. We have facilities in Irvine and Stanton, and are ready to catch you and your family up on vaccines. We welcome walk-ins and have an expert team of medical professionals ready to help you.