Disclosure: This post is sponsored by LCMC Health Urgent Care.
Free Flu Shots :: Don’t Let The Flu Take You Down
When a Cold Isn’t a Cold
In late September I came down with what I thought was a cold. As a mother of four children ages 4-12, I’m used to running around doing all the “mom” things sick or well. I just suck it up, take some cold medicine and move on with my day. Except this time was different; I couldn’t function. I couldn’t stand without dizziness, I was more nauseous than when I was pregnant and I had a fever that I just couldn’t kick. After a simple test I discovered I had the flu. The flu never comes at a good time.
The Illness
I can’t ever remember having the flu. Maybe it’s one of those things that you block out like the pain of childbirth but I couldn’t think of a time where I was knocked down quite like this. I was bedridden. I couldn’t talk. I couldn’t breathe. I was shaking and sore all over and hot and cold all at the same time. I was literally unable to function. I was given prescription anti-viral and told to ride it out.
Four Kids
Let’s back up to the four kids thing. Four kids in three schools from Gretna to Uptown to Metairie. How would they get to and from school? Who was going to make their lunches and wash uniforms and do sight words? Who was going to get them to music lessons and ninja warrior classes and scouts? We don’t have family nearby and it’s just my husband and myself. So my husband handled All. The. Things. While I was down and I learned quickly that my standard of execution no longer mattered. My husband was going to do things his way and I had to let that ride, primarily because I didn’t have a choice. He did a bang-up job in his own style. I was barely keeping it together just laying in bed.
For me, the flu resulted in:
- 1 week lost work
- Reduced hours for my spouse to he could take care of the kids and myself
- The cost of doctor visits, prescriptions and OTC medicines
- Extreme fatigue, nausea, coughing, headaches and dizziness for 8 straight days
- 2+ weeks of playing catch-up for everything that happened during the “sick week”
- A lesson learned to get the flu shot as early as possible during the season
No Time For The Flu
As moms, getting sick isn’t an option. We power through, suck down some vitamin C and carry on. I learned a hard truth that the flu is no joke. I’m so very lucky to have a supportive, capable spouse that could help carry the load. What would have happened if it were one of our children that got the flu? Another week off of work, school and the fear and worry of an extremely sick child; not to mention the illness itself.
Not Worth the Risk
I recently read that State Health officials say last year in Louisiana, there were more than 14,000 hospitalizations, and at least 1,400 deaths attributed to the flu. It’s just not worth the risk. Don’t just do it for you; vaccinating your family will help protect the very young and very old who are at higher risk. Also, if you are thinking, “I already got the flu this season, I am all clear” – think again! Yes, you can get the flu twice in one season.
Free Flu Shots!
On Monday, November 11th, LCMC Health Urgent Care Clearview Clinic is offering FREE Flu shots for ages 4 through 64 from 8 am to 8pm. I urge you to take advantage of this generous offer and take your family to protect them through the remainder of the flu season.
Learn more about LCMC Health Urgent Care ::
LCMC Health Urgent Care provides flu shots for ages four years and up, as well as walk-in care for colds and flu. We treat minor illnesses and injuries for patients age three months and up. Conditions treated include: ear, eye and infections; fever; minor cuts that may need stitches; broken bones or simple fractures; severe sore throat; sprains and strains; vomiting and diarrhea; and more. Here in the New Orleans area, LCMC Health Urgent Care has six convenient, walk-in clinics to help protect you and your family from the flu, or treat you if you’re one of the many who come down with it. Our locations in Lakeview, Covington, Clearview (across from Elmwood shopping center), Gretna, Algiers, and Marrero are open 7 days a week. Walk-in or check-in online and try the paperless registration experience. Clinic hours are 8:00am to 8:00pm {Monday through Friday} and 8:00am to 5:00pm {Saturday and Sunday}. For more information, visit our website.
