It’s Not Too Late To Get Your Flu Shot!

October 28th, 2013

Every person over the age of 6 months should get the flu shot.  The flu vaccine is readily available this year and covered by all insurance plans.  You can even get them at local pharmacies where they give injections.  Make it a point to get your flu shot.  Get protected!  Still not sure?  Here are some reasons to consider:

• By getting the flu shot you are not only reducing your chances of getting the flu, but you are also protecting your family including your children and elderly relatives.  For most people, the flu is an annoying viral illness with fever and body aches lasting up to 2 weeks.  For the very young or very old, it could lead to pneumonia requiring hospitalization.  If you will be visiting elderly relatives during the holidays, be considerate of their health and don’t bring the unwanted gift of the flu.
• Serve as a role model to your children and family.  Get your kids into healthy habits by setting a good example.
• The flu vaccine changes each year.  Just because you got the flu shot last year does not mean you are protected this year.  Each year, the CDC keeps track of the different strains of flu and creates a recommendation of which strains are the most predominant.  They then use this information to create the flu vaccine.
• It doesn’t have to hurt!  If you have “needle phobia”, there is currently a nasal flu vaccine that is live weakened flu viruses which you spray up into your nostrils.  This vaccine is not for people with weakened immune systems, be sure to ask your healthcare provider if you can get this.  Also, the needles used for the flu shot are much smaller than those used to draw blood.
• The little time you spend getting your getting your flu shot is much less than the many days spent in bed when you are sick from the flu.
• Don’t let the flu ruin your holidays.  Many of us will be getting ready for the upcoming holidays and weeks of shopping, cooking, and traveling.  Consider the flu shot as one of your “To Do’s” so that you can be flu-free during the season.  Crowded airplanes can increase the spread of cold viruses and flu.  If you plan any air travel in the next few months, the flu shot is just as important as printing out your ticket before your flight!
• Beat the rush!  Last flu season, there was a shortage of flu vaccines nationwide.  There were lines to get flu shots and many places ran out.  Get your flu shot now while they are in supply so you won’t need to worry.
• It takes 2 weeks for the flu shot to become effective.  The earlier you get your flu shot, the earlier you will have adequate protection.
• If your are pregnant or nursing, there are flu shots that are proven to be safe.  Be sure to ask your health care provider for this vaccine.