3 Causes to Get the Flu Shot
The vacations are simply across the nook, and you recognize what meaning — it’s time to get your flu vaccine!
You most likely thought we have been going to say vacation events and presents, however that’s the factor in regards to the flu. It will probably germ its method into your festive spirit and smash all of your plans with fever, headache, chills, physique aches and joint ache.
“The influenza virus is nasty,” mentioned Ilan Shapiro, M.D., senior vp and chief well being correspondent and medical affairs officer for AltaMed Well being. “And what do I imply by nasty? In comparison with different viruses that trigger a little bit runny nostril and cough, it’s one full week off of labor or college or something that we get pleasure from doing — it’s not an everyday virus.”
The flu may even be life-threatening. Final 12 months, 28,000 individuals within the U.S. died from flu-related diseases and the speed of flu-associated hospitalizations was the very best it’s been since 2010.
Read: Is it Covid, RSV or the Flu? >>
Shapiro famous that final 12 months’s virus caught round for a very long time, so getting the vaccine as early as you may (ideally in October) will assist shield your self from critical sickness all through the flu season.
“If we wish to have a ravishing Thanksgiving, if we wish to get pleasure from our Christmas dinner and we wish to sing together with household on New Yr’s, there are alternatives right here to make it possible for our immune system is prepared for that,” Shapiro mentioned.
The vaccine takes about two weeks to your immune system to construct up antibodies to guard in opposition to the virus.
Most individuals affiliate the flu vaccine with a shot within the arm, however there’s a nasal spray choice for individuals 2 to 49 years outdated. Be aware: The nasal spray just isn’t beneficial for individuals with sure persistent ailments or people who find themselves pregnant. In fact, speak to your healthcare supplier (HCP) in the event you’re within the nasal spray flu vaccine.
Along with your well being, listed here are Shapiro’s high causes for getting the flu vaccine this 12 months:
- You wish to spend time along with your family members — not along with your mattress. On common, most individuals are sick with the virus for 5 days. However signs like coughing and fatigue could go on for weeks. And whereas a little bit bed rotting could be enjoyable, fever and FOMO should not.
- You need your loved ones to be nicely — not sick at house. Getting the flu vaccine and ensuring your loved ones will get the flu vaccine means larger safety in opposition to the virus, and fewer probability for critical flu-related problems. It additionally means you’re not at house caring for sick individuals whereas everybody else is out decking the halls with out you.
- You don’t wish to miss work. The flu isn’t any tropical trip. And when you have the virus, or suppose you’ve got the virus, the CDC recommends staying house for at the very least 5 days after signs begin — even in the event you don’t have a fever.
Flu vaccine = higher well being
We all know life is busy and there by no means appears to be sufficient hours within the day to get every thing accomplished. However taking time to get the flu vaccine might help you and your family members keep as wholesome as attainable.
It’s good to notice that the vaccine is beneficial for everybody ages 6 months and older (with just a few uncommon exceptions). In case you have issues or are nonetheless on the fence about getting the flu vaccine, Shapiro mentioned to speak to your HCP. “It’s OK to have questions. It’s OK to have even concern, however for ladies, particularly as leaders of the household the place individuals rely on you, it’s an incredible alternative to be sure you have the right info to make the only option for you and your loved ones.”
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