Dr. Ramon Reyes of Bandera Family Medical Group San Antonio speaks on the importance of getting the flu vaccine
SAN ANTONIO, TX – For many San Antonians, the changing seasons indicate peak allergy time and the dreaded flu season. If these are not enough reasons to get a flu vaccine this year, local doctors urge residents to consider otherwise amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We understand many residents are on the fence about getting their flu shots this year,” says Dr. Ramon Reyes, Chief Medical Director at Bandera Family Medical Group. “We want to educate the public about the importance of getting the flu shot and what that means for the bigger picture of our healthcare system.”
During the COVID-19 pandemic alongside influenza viruses this season, getting the flu vaccine can help reduce the prevalence of influenza and reduce symptoms that might be confused with those of COVID-19.
Flu vaccines protect you and those around you from the 3-4 most common influenza strains during the current flu season. They also reduce and time away from work or school due to flu-sickness. Flu vaccines are safe for those six months and older (barring any medical conditions that prevent you from getting the vaccine).
“Prevention and reduction of influenza illnesses are key,” says Dr. Reyes. “By getting the flu vaccine, we can help reduce the number of hospitalizations and ICU admissions, which in turn alleviates stress on our health care system.”
Do you need your flu shot or help with allergy relief? Bandera Family Health Care offers prevention, acute, and family care services. To set up an appointment, call (210) 695-1900.
About Bandera Family Medical Group
Bandera Family Medical Group was founded in the year 2000 by Ramon G. Reyes, M.D. Dr. Reyes is passionate about providing quality care to families and individuals. As a result of that commitment, Bandera Family is the provider of choice for hundreds of patients from the San Antonio community and has expanded to three locations in the greater San Antonio area, including Helotes.