Do you find yourself sneezing non-stop? Trying to run your day with a runny nose? Attempting to conduct an important meeting with a horrible headache? Feeling fatigued, body aches, and pains? These are all signs of the flu.
What exactly is Flu?
Influenza or the flu is a viral infection that spreads from person to person via nose or lung secretions. It is a viral infection that may be seasonal depending on where you are living in the globe. It is very contagious and can be contracted from anyone who might have it, especially when you’re not vaccinated.
Being sick with the flu impacts school, work and social obligations. It may even harm relationships with others if you infect them. Influenza affects people differently; while some people are able to address symptoms with over the counter drugs, some people may need more aggressive management. The flu is a highly infectious viral respiratory infection that may be life-threatening and can lead to hospitalization.
Why Get the Flu Shot?
Common flu is present all year, but its peak season is usually fall, winter and early spring. Influenza affects between 5-20 percent of the U.S. population each year, according to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.
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The best protection against seasonal influenza viruses.
Flu viruses evolve quickly and constantly adapt. They are widespread and difficult to avoid. That’s why doctors advise receiving an annual flu shot. The flu vaccine you had last year may not work on the viruses that are rampant during the current flu season.
Your federal health experts or the Center for Disease Control and Prevention determines which strains of influenza viruses that are most likely to appear during the coming year. They use the information to manufacture the appropriate vaccines for the coming flu season. While the flu shot may not prevent you from getting the flu, if you do get sick, the vaccine can significantly reduce the severity of the symptoms.
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Reduce your sick days.
When you have the flu, you’re advised to stay home and recuperate. The flu is very costly, both in time and money. According to cdc.gov, flu accounts for 17 million lost workdays and nearly $7 billion in lost productivity and wages annually. But if you receive the flu shot, your flu will be less severe and you will recover faster.
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Protects the people around you.
Getting yourself vaccinated not only protects yourself but also helps protect people that surround you. A vaccinated individual is less likely to be infected and thus less likely to be a carrier. While your flu may be mild, those with a compromised immune system or additional chronic disease may develop severe, life-threatening symptoms.
The influenza virus is transmitted through droplets from sneezes or coughs which are carried through the air. The droplets can disperse easily through the air without much resistance when temperature and humidity are low compared to when it’s high. Thus during cooler seasons viruses spread more rapidly. Receiving an injection limits the spread of the virus.
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Extremely simple, fast and convenient.
Flu vaccines are offered almost everywhere. You may also request it from your doctor’s office, clinics, health departments, pharmacies and college health centers.
Most health plans cover vaccinations, as it is required under preventive care of the Affordable Care Act. Your plan may require your vaccine to be administered by a health care provider who is a member of the plan’s network.
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Life-saving for Children.
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, millions of children get sick with seasonal flu; thousands of children are hospitalized and some children die from the flu. There were a total of 185 child deaths associated with the flu during 2017-2018, and 110 the year before.
Children at the elderly are more susceptible to viruses and diseases, as their immune systems are less robust. They are at higher risk of complications from the flu such as secondary bacterial infections, pneumonia, convulsions, and high fever.
Bottomline
Get yourself protected today and be a hero in your community. Spread awareness of the importance of flu vaccine and maybe you can save a life. Talk to Dr. Amy Schiffman about your immune system, and how to best support prevent infection. She is a board-certified allergist and immunologist in Boca Raton, Florida.