UVA Health doctor urges flu shots and addresses fears of Russian plague case

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (WVIR) - A doctor is urging people to get their flu shots now, while also addressing a death in Russia linked to a possible plague exposure.

Dr. Costi Sifri, a UVA Health infectious diseases physician and director of hospital epidemiology, said September and October are the time to get vaccinated before flu activity increases.

“The most important thing is to get your flu shot. This is the time to get it. September, October, before flu starts to peak up,” Sifri said.

Sifri said staying current on vaccinations is one step toward prevention. He said washing hands, covering coughs and staying home when sick are additional steps.

Sifri said certain groups face higher risk from the flu.

“People who are older in age, older than 65 years of age or older. Younger children, particularly children less than five years of age, people who are pregnant, so pregnant women are at high risk,” Sifri said.

Sifri said this year’s flu shot is a good match for the strain currently circulating. He said myths continue to keep some people from getting vaccinated.

“The flu shot gives you the flu. That’s just not possible. It doesn’t contain live virus,” Sifri said.

Sifri is also watching a developing story out of Russia, where a lab worker died following reports of a possible plague exposure.

Sifri and the World Health Organization said the situation should not pose a risk in the United States.

“I don’t think that this is a significant risk for the United States. And that’s certainly been what we’ve been hearing repeatedly from the CDC, from other public health officials, and even from the WHO,” Sifri said.

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