It’s flu season, which means you have a couple of options: You can take your chances and risk being laid up in bed for a few days while a virus slowly and painfully takes over your body, or you can take precautions by getting a shot. Keep in mind that the flu is the deadliest illness faced by modern societies in the 20th century. Conservative estimates by the World Health Organization indicate that 21 million people have died worldwide out of a billion affected.
Though serious flu viruses usually start hitting in December and reach their peak in February, itХs better to be prepared. The most effective way to stave off the flu bug Р or at least reduce the bite Р is by getting a flu shot. Flu shots are not 100 percent effective against influenza, but they do substantially reduce the risk. But you need to get a shot now because once you come down with the flu, itХs too late to get one.
Most of KyivХs public clinics still have not received the vaccine for this season and donХt expect their supplies before the end of November. However, most private clinics already have the vaccine.
The American Medical Centers offcers vaccinations at its Kyiv clinic (Berdychivskal 1, tel.: 461-9600, e-mail: [email protected]). The price is $40 per shot but discounts are offered for groups of more than 15 people. The center will send a medical team out to Kyiv-area businesses or arrange for a group visit to the clinic. AMC provides free consultations if vaccinated patients become ill after the shot.
Individuals can get a flu shot at the clinic by calling and making an appointment.
AMC uses a vaccine manufactured by SmithKlineBeecham, which normally causes no side effects. The rare exception is a reaction in people who are allergic to eggs because the viruses used in the vaccine are grown in henХs eggs.
American Medical Centers claims it is the only private health-care provider in Ukraine licensed to administer flu vaccines.
However, there are several other licensed clinics that offer a similar flu vaccine. KyivХs private health-care companies Borys and Medikom also administers vaccines. Borys (Kosiora 28/1, korp.18, tel. 213-03-03) uses ТInfluvacУ vaccine manufactured in Netherlands and charges Hr 87 for a consultation, vaccination and insurance for four months. If you have been vaccinated, but still get the flu, they provide treatment for free. Shots are by appointment only. Medicom clinic ( 8 Kondratyuka 8, tel.: 432-8888) offers the same vaccine for Hr. 78.
The cheapest Influvac shot is available at the clinic of the Institute of Epidemic and Infection Diseases on Sichnevoho Povstannya 23. They charge Hr 42 and work weekdays 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. No appointment is needed.
If youХre more interested in herbal remedies, KyivХs markets and food stores have a wide variety of natural products such as honey, snow-ball-tree berries, sour and fresh cabbage.
Olga Kryzhanovska
