This month, we talked to our Clinical Outreach Coordinator Estela Fernandez about the importance of getting your flu shot and testing for the flu and COVID-19 before holiday gatherings.
Everyone 6 months of age and older (with rare exceptions) should receive the flu vaccine each year. It helps prevent flu infection—and if you do get sick, it can lessen your symptoms and help you recover more quickly. The CDC recommends receiving the flu vaccine by the end of October, but it’s still worthwhile to get vaccinated later in the fall and winter.
“It’s not too late to get your flu shot,” said Estela. “Flu season peaks between December and February, during the coldest months. It can last up until late spring, April and May. It is always better to be vaccinated and protected.”
We offer affordable flu shots all season long here at JCPH. Vaccines are free with accepted insurance, or $20 without. Please note that we are able to accept Medicaid for children, but not for adults. Make an appointment today.
In addition to flu shots, you can also visit JCPH to pick up free flu and COVID-19 test kits.
“We recommend that you test if you are sick, if you think you have been exposed, or if you are about to gather with people who are at a higher risk for getting sick. This includes older adults, people with weakened immune systems, and people with medical conditions,” said Estela. “It takes two negative tests if you have symptoms, and three negative tests if you do not have symptoms, spread 48 hours apart to confirm your condition.”
So how do the test kits work? Estela opened one to show us the pieces.
“Each test kit comes with a swab, a buffer tube, and a test strip,” she said. “You want to brush the swab inside each of your nostrils five times around, and then drop the swab inside the buffer tube. Swirl it around for 30 seconds before discarding the swab. Then take the buffer tube and gently pour 4 drops on the test strip. After 15 minutes, you’ll have your results.”
Detailed instructions in English and Spanish are included with each test kit. You can also watch Estela explain this process in a quick how-to video. Children ages 2 and older can take tests, too — just make sure that an adult is helping them.
And if your test comes back positive?
“The recommendations are the same for both viruses. Please stay home and isolate from others. You are free to return to your normal activities once you have been fever-free without the use of fever-reducing medication for 24 hours,” Estela said. “For the next five days, take extra precautions such as washing your hands often, avoiding crowded spaces, and wearing a mask if you’re gathering with other people.”
It is important to monitor symptoms and seek medical attention if they become severe.
“If you’re noticing that you are getting sicker, and especially if you are at higher risk, please seek medical care,” Estela said. “Emergency warning signs include chest pain, trouble breathing, and skin discoloration or confusion.”
No appointment is necessary to pick up a flu and COVID-19 test kit at JCPH, but you can complete a request form in advance for quick pick-up upon arrival. If you are requesting testing supplies on behalf of an organization, or are seeking more than two kits, reach out directly to Estela at (816) 404-6406 or estela.fernandez@uhkc.org.
Getting your flu shot and utilizing test kits are easy ways to protect yourself and your loved ones from serious illness, so that you can focus on enjoying the holiday season together.
Please note that we are not currently offering COVID-19 vaccines while we await supply delivery. We recommend asking your primary care provider or making an appointment at your local pharmacy for this year’s updated COVID-19 vaccine.
