Banner Estrella launches No Flu for You hotline

Banner Estrella recently launched a No Flu for You hotline, that provides detailed answers, in English and Spanish, to a frequently asked questions related to the flu.

The public can call the No Flu For You hotline at 623-327-6339 24-hours-a-day, 7-days-a-week.

Some facts on the hotline:

Influenza (flu) is a contagious respiratory illness spread mostly through coughing and sneezing.

Influenza viruses circulate in Arizona every year and the best way to prevent the flu is to get vaccinated.

Everyone six months and older should get vaccinated to help in the fight against the flu. 

Influenza has killed between 3,000 and 49,000 people every year in the United States in the past 30 years and hospitalizes almost 250,000 people per year.  Do your part to prevent the flu!
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What is a flu shot?

Influenza shots do not cause influenza; the shots contain an inactivated influenza virus. 

The flu shot does not cause runny nose, sore throat, cough, vomiting, or diarrhea since the virus cannot reproduce in the body. 

If you have flu-like symptoms after receiving the flu shot it is most likely because you have contracted another type of illness or were infected with influenza before receiving the shot. 

It takes, on average, two weeks after vaccination to develop immunity to the flu.  The influenza vaccine is very effective in reducing the severity of influenza.