Every year, the flu season brings about stuffy noses, sore throats, and muscle aches. WebMD reports about 20 percent of the U.S. population gets the flu annually and 200,000 people require hospitalization. Of those who do end up in the hospital, a small percentage, from 3,000 to 49,000, succumb to the illness. Getting flu shots is one way your family can lower their risk, especially during the peak months from December to February. They are readily available and a budget-friendly way to avoid missed days at work and school. Consider a few benefits to getting the family vaccinated this season.
Influenza Changes From Year to Year
Influenza is a highly variable virus, meaning it changes or mutates often. By tailoring the vaccine to combat the most likely threats, flu shots allow you to fight off the different strains. This is why getting the shot each year is so essential; the vaccine you had last year is not tailored to ward off the strains you’ll face this year. Most people have a list of things they do to ready their homes for the winter. You can add flu shots for the family next to calling Sun Kool Air Conditioning, Inc for your annual HVAC service.
Influenza Is Contagious
Influenza is highly contagious, which is why everyone in the household needs to get vaccinated. It just takes one person to bring the bug home and make your family sick, especially those who are high risk. Some people have a greater chance of becoming seriously ill if exposed to the virus, according to the Mayo Clinic:
- Elderly
- Infants – 6 months is the youngest age the CDC recommends for flu shots
- Pregnant women
- People with compromised immune systems due to chemotherapy or HIV
- Individuals with chronic illnesses such as heart disease.
Ideally, everyone would get vaccinated unless the shot is unsafe for them due to an allergy or sensitivity. Flu vaccines contain egg proteins, so if you are allergic to eggs, they may cause a reaction. If your egg allergy is mild, talk to your doctor about getting a flu shot anyway. It is possible to take precautions and avoid the adverse side effects. Your physician may recommend you not to get a shot if you got sick from the previous year’s vaccine, though.
Influenza Vaccine Is Readily Available
One of the best reasons to get an annual flu shot is because you can. They are easy to find and very affordable. Most pharmacies offer them for a small service fee or you can call your doctor to make an appointment. It is possible your health insurance provider may offer them free at specific locations, too.
Flu season officially runs from October to May, so the earlier you get the vaccine, the better. It is available as either a shot or a nasal spray for those who do not like needles. Make getting the flu shot a tradition in your household, so everyone in the family stays healthy during the year.
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