Nashville doctors report increase in flu-like illnesses

By JENNY UPCHURCH • THE TENNESSEAN • January 6, 2011 DAVIDSON COUNTY Health-care providers in Nashville are seeing an increase among patients with flu-like illnesses, the Metro Health Department said Tuesday. The increase should be an important reminder to take precautions to limit the spread of influenza, said Dr. Bill Paul, director of health for Davidson County. The best step is to get a flu shot. Metro Health is offering flu shots at three locations. They are the Lentz Health Center, 311 23rd Ave. N.; the Woodbine Health Center, 224 Oriel Ave.; and the East Health Center, 1015 E. Trinity Lane). Shots are given between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. Flu shots are $20. Medicare Part B and TennCare are accepted. Flu shots are recommended for anyone older than 6 months. State reports of doctor visits for flu-like illnesses in the past 13 weeks show that the biggest percentage of patients are ages 5 through 24.