It’s not too late to get your Flu shot!
December 1st, 2018Right now, I am seeing a large uptick in flu cases in my office. As the weather gets cooler and we are gathered indoors with friends and relatives for the holidays, I think it is imperative that people get protected against the flu.
Here are some reasons why:
- Getting sick with the flu means 2 or more weeks of feeling miserable and usually happens at the worst possible time (your long awaited vacation, wedding, Christmas holiday, etc.)
- The flu shot is widely available right now (December 2018). In previous years, people waited till January when there was a shortage and a terrible flu season to get the flu shot. You can get your flu shot from your primary care provider, nurse, or local pharmacy.
- It is covered under all insurances and medicare. If you don’t have insurance, some community health centers can provide it for free. Check with your local public hospital.
- It’s quick! A typical flu shot takes 30 seconds. Make sure you wear clothing where you can roll up your sleeves to the deltoid muscle.
- It hurts for only 1-2 days. Yes, most flu shots can cause some local pain, but that’s temporary and pales in comparison to the body aches when you are getting the actual flu.
- The flu shot takes 2 weeks to become effective. Getting a flu shot now will ensure that you are protected before the holiday season.
- By getting the flu shot, you are not only protecting yourself but also your family. If you got the flu you could spread it to your children or elderly relatives. Unfortunately, people are contagious up to 2 days before feeling sick with the flu! So you may spread it even without knowing that you have it. Wouldn’t it feel awful if you got the flu and gave it to your child or parent? Worse yet, many children and elderly people are hospitalized each year for complications from the flu and some even die.
