Most people in the United States have experienced the effects of the flu, either personally or through someone they know who has been diagnosed. While many of us recover from this illness, it gravely impacts many individuals each year and is something we should try to minimize the spread of as best we can.
According to the CDC, up to 41 million people are impacted by the flu each year. As we progress further into the winter months and flu season, the number of people contracting the flu will continue to rise.
With National Influenza Vaccination Awareness Week taking place in early December, it’s essential to remind individuals of the importance of protecting against the flu. The flu can be a devastating illness that leaves many people sick and can even cause death.
Continue reading to learn about why it’s important to get the flu vaccine and stay healthy against this disease.
Ways to Protect Against the Flu
Annual Vaccinations
Getting the flu shot is the best way to protect against this illness and keep you safe. Staying up to date with regular flu vaccinations will help you stay healthy and fight against the illness.
Protection for Everyone
Vaccination is not just important for you, however. It helps reduce the overall spread of the virus and protects those who may be more vulnerable, such as young children, the elderly, and individuals with certain health conditions.
Preventing Severe Illness
The flu shot can reduce the risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and complications related to the disease. It is especially important for individuals with underlying health conditions to get vaccinated.
Community Responsibility
When individuals within a community get a vaccine, it contributes to the overall community’s immunity. This means that there will be a smaller outbreak of the flu within communities that are vaccinated.
Timing of Vaccination
Receiving the vaccine before the start of flu season or at the very beginning will help minimize the spread. However, it’s still beneficial to get vaccinated later in the season.
Accessibility of Vaccination
Flu vaccines are convenient to get and require little to no downtime following the injection. They can be found at local pharmacies, healthcare facilities, and community clinics.
Safe and Effective
There are many common misconceptions about the flu shot. However, Flu vaccines are a safe and effective way to maintain a healthy environment and eliminate the risk of the flu during its most prominent season.
If you feel unsure about receiving a flu vaccine this year, you should consult with your doctor to address your concerns. They can help alleviate any discomfort that may be felt toward the vaccine so that you can be on your way to staying healthy against the flu.
Here at Mason Park Medical Clinic, we offer flu vaccines so that you can stay healthy this flu season. We encourage you to schedule an appointment with us to receive your annual vaccine. If you have any questions regarding the flu vaccine, please feel free to give us a call so we can talk through them together.
