flu-shot
Fighting The Flu is Not Just for You Written by: Kim Kisner

Have you gotten your flu shot yet? If not, it’s not too late! National Influenza Vaccination Week – December 5th through the 9th – is here to remind us of that.

Globally, hundreds of thousands of people die from seasonal influenza every year. Flu can affect anyone, but higher-risk individuals include those over 65, children, pregnant women, and people with chronic illnesses.

An infected person can pass it to someone at a high risk of severe illness, including babies younger than 6 months, who are too young to get a flu vaccine. To prevent this spread, the Advisory Committee of the CDC urges every individual to get vaccinated, including people in good health.

5 Flu Facts to Know

  1. Based on significant flu activity in the Southern Hemisphere, this flu season could be severe.
  2. In the U.S., the flu peaks between December and February, and extend through May.
  3. On average every year in the U.S., the flu results in millions of illnesses, hundreds of thousands of hospitalizations, and tens of thousands of deaths. Aside from COVID-19, flu is the deadliest vaccine-preventable disease in the U.S.
  4. Annual flu vaccination is recommended for everyone six months and older. Flu vaccines have been updated this season to help protect against four circulating strains of flu.
  5. You can get your Flu vaccine at the same time as other vaccines, including COVID-19 vaccines and boosters.

Common flu symptoms usually come on suddenly.

Look Out for These Symptoms

  • Fever or feeling feverish/chills
  • Cough
  • Sore throat
  • Runny or stuffy nose
  • Muscle or body aches
  • Headaches
  • Fatigue (tiredness)
  • Vomiting and diarrhea may be common in children

With flu and COVID-19 now circulating together – along with other respiratory diseases – it’s more important than ever before to be vigilant.

Three Simple Ways to Fight Flu

  1. Get vaccinated
  2. Stop the spread by washing your hands and following good hygiene protocols
  3. See your doctor and get tested if you feel you have the

Let’s celebrate National Influenza Vaccination Week as responsible citizens and continue the flu vaccination season to protect as many people as possible.