Wyoming, Michigan, November 29, 2007 - The Metro Health Hospital Foundation, WOOD-TV8 and Diplomat Pharmacy teamed up to provide 1,300 free flu shots to West Michigan residents at a highly successful two-day event on Wednesday, Nov. 28, and Thursday, Nov. 29.
The Centers for Disease Control characterizes the flu as a "contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses...(that) can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death." The agency recommends the best way to prevent the flu is by getting an annual flu shot.
Statistics show that 5-20 percent of the U.S. population contract the flu every year. More than 200,000 people are hospitalized from flu complications and more than 36,000 people die annually. Flu symptoms include fever, headache, extreme tiredness, dry cough, sore throat, runny nose and muscle aches. The Metro Health Hospital Foundation was thrilled to help so many people take precautions to stay healthy this flu season.
About Metro Health Hospital Foundation
The Metro Health Hospital Foundation is a charitable organization dedicated to improving the health and well-being of the West Michigan community through philanthropy. The Foundation's support of Metro Health Hospital allows individuals, organizations and businesses to contribute funds that prevent catastrophic illnesses, provide life-saving education and screenings, improve overall patient care and fund a wide variety of programs and services.
About Metro Health Hospital
Metro Health Hospital is a 208-bed general acute care osteopathic teaching hospital that serves more than 130,000 patients in Kent and surrounding counties. Metro Health offers a broad range of services, including inpatient and outpatient services, emergency, surgery, intensive care, rehabilitation, wellness and community education. Metro's work is supported by the Metro Health Hospital Foundation, which is a charitable organization dedicated to improving the health and well-being of the West Michigan community through philanthropy.