Supply-Do you know the difference between a cold and the flu? Do you really need a flu shot? Is there anything you can do to prevent the flu? These and many other questions are answered on a new website recently launched by Brunswick Community Hospital and Novant Health.

The recently released online resource, www.NoFlu.org, provides consumers with convenient access to reliable, easy-to-understand information about the flu.

"One of the most common questions patients have during the winter months is whether their symptoms indicate a common cold or the flu," said Dr. Clark Pritts, a physician at the Novant Urgent Care in Shallotte. "The NoFlu.org website provides an easy-to-use guide that will help patients know the difference between a cold and the flu."

A team of Novant leaders decided to create the website as part of a Pandemic Preparedness program. The group, which included employees from all Novant facilities, formed to ensure that Novant hospitals would have plans in place to meet the needs of patients in a medical crisis, such as a pandemic flu. The website, www.NoFlu.org, was developed as a communication tool to distribute information about the pandemic flu as well as the typical seasonal flu.

The NoFlu.org site links consumers with resources and steps to prepare for a medical emergency of any kind, not just the flu. The site provides useful information to help people stay as healthy as possible.

And the website answers one of the most common questions about the flu -- who should get a flu shot. According to Dr. Pritts, now is the time for patients to get a flu shot. The Novant Urgent Cares in Shallotte, Southport and Delco are now offering flu shots, and many other Novant Medical Group practices throughout the area are also offering flu shots. Contact your primary care physician, or visit one of the Novant Urgent Cares to get your flu shot.

Novant Health is a not-for-profit integrated healthcare system that includes nine hospitals, a 1015-physician medical group, two nursing homes and 130 outpatient facilities, including diagnostic centers, rehabilitation programs, surgery centers and community health outreach programs. Novant’s mission is to improve the health of communities, one person at a time.

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