Flu season is upon us, which means it’s time to start thinking about when and where to get your flu shot. While the flu has the potential to make you very sick, it’s preventable if you take the necessary steps to protect yourself and those around you. Getting the flu vaccine can help you remain healthy and active.
The flu shot:
- Is the only safe and effective protection from the flu
- Helps prevent you from developing more serious flu-related illnesses
- Helps stop the spread of the flu to your family and community
WHO NEEDS THE FLU SHOT?
It’s estimated that last year more than 500,000 people were hospitalized because of complications with the flu. While it’s true that everyone should get the flu shot, it is strongly suggested that the elderly, pregnant women, and people with certain health conditions get it as soon as possible because they are more vulnerable to the flu than others.
Adults 65 & over:
Our immune systems get weaker with age, which means older adults are more vulnerable to serious flu complications. On average, people over the age of 65 account for nearly 60% of all flu-related hospitalizations. Older individuals should get a high-dosage flu shot before peak flu season arrives in October/November.
Pregnant women:
Women who are pregnant experience changes to their immune system, heart, and lungs that make them more susceptible to the flu and its symptoms. A flu vaccine helps protect both the mother and developing child before and after the pregnancy.
People with other health conditions:
The flu can cause existing symptoms of certain health conditions to worsen, so the flu is extra dangerous for those with the following conditions that compromise immune systems:
- Asthma
- Heart Disease
- Diabetes
- HIV/AIDS
- Cancer
A note about your children and the flu:
Back-to-school season is one of the most critical times to reduce the risk of getting sick, because kids face an influx of germs and sick classmates each day when they enter the classroom. Make sure you schedule a flu shot for your child—prevention is much better than management. You can schedule a back-to-school checkup and make sure they get their flu shot here.
Join the Immunity Community
The Immunity Community is an AdvantageCare Physicians initiative that helps patients get the vaccinations they need for maintaining their health and the safety of the neighborhoods they live in. When you get the flu shot, you are doing your part to stop the spread of the flu.
You can schedule a flu shot at ACPNY here or you can walk into any office and ask for it.
Sources:
https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/burden/preliminary-in-season-estimates.htm
https://www.cdc.gov/flu/highrisk/index.htm
