Update December 9, 2009 – Shoal Creek Family Medicine & Allergy is currently seeing a large number of patients with influenza symptoms. Most of these patients have contracted H1N1 (Swine flu) type. We are encouraging everyone to take steps to prevent the spread of flu by practicing good hand-washing techniques, covering your cough, and limiting interaction and contact with others. The following link to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides detailed information about H1N1 flu and what to do if you become ill.

H1N1 Information from the CDC

The seasonal influenza that we typically see beginning in late fall and into winter months is not yet circulating in our area, but will likely begin causing illness in December and January. The best way to prevent infection from seasonal influenza is to receive a flu vaccine. We encourage everyone to receive a seasonal flu vaccine unless contraindicated (see specific information regarding who should not receive a seasonal flu vaccine). Unfortunately, our supply of seasonal flu vaccine is currently very limited. Please contact our office, the local health department, or your local CVS/Minute Clinic, Take Care Health facility, Target or other pharmacy to receive a seasonal flu vaccine.

For more information about the seasonal flu, please see our Seasonal Flu FAQs.

The seasonal flu vaccine will not protect you against the new H1N1 flu. The new vaccine against the H1N1 flu is currently being manufactured, with limited supplies of H1N1 vaccine now being shipped to the Kansas City area. Our office has received a very limited supply of both intranasal and injectable H1N1 vaccine, which we are making available to current patients only. Please contact our office to check on availability, and to determine whether you and/or your family meet criteria to receive the vaccine.

If you have questions or concerns about the flu or about your symptoms please call our office at 816-781-4244.