An important message to my patients about preventing the flu:

First, thank  you for trusting me to care for you.

In addition to treating you when you are ill, a very important part of my job is helping you know what you can do to prevent illnesses.

The flu shot is one of the safest and most effective ways to stay healthy during this upcoming flu season. I already got my flu shot this season, because I know that:

• Flu shots can decrease the risk of upper respiratory illness by 25%;
• Flu shots can decrease the risk of missing work due to illness by 36%; and
• Flu shots can decrease the risk of doctor visits for upper respiratory illness by 44%.

More than 90% of my patients are choosing to get a flu shot to protect themselves and their family this flu season. I really hope that you choose to protect yourself, too.

Sincerely,

L. Lee Montgomery, MD