Flu season is here.
Why you need a flu shot?
Typically, flu activity tends to ramp up in October in North America, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). It lasts through May. Getting the flu shot is recommended.
Why? A flu shot can help you in a couple of ways. Ideally, it will protect you from getting the flu. Each year, experts create the seasonal flu vaccine to protect you against the strains of influenza that are most likely to be circulating that year.
While the flu shot is not 100 percent effective—that is, it doesn’t always exactly match the flu strains that are circulating—it can still give you some important protection.
Secondly, if you get a flu shot, you’re much more likely to have a milder case—with fewer or no complications—if you do wind up getting the flu. Possible complications of the flu can include sinus infections, ear infections, bronchitis and pneumonia.
Who needs a flu shot
Just about everyone can benefit from a flu shot each year. In fact, the CDC recommends that everyone over the age of 6 months, with a few exceptions, should get a seasonal flu shot.
If you’re at high risk for complications, getting a flu shot as soon as possible should be at the top of your to-do list. This category includes:
- Adults who are 65 years or older
- Pregnant women
- Young children
- People with certain chronic health conditions, including asthma, diabetes and heart disease
- People with HIV/AIDS
- Cancer patients and cancer survivors
- Children with certain neurological conditions
The added importance of a flu shot this year
If you can go ahead and get a flu shot, it’s worth your time. It takes your body about two weeks after getting vaccinated to ramp up protection of the antibodies that will fight off the flu.
You want to be ready before you encounter those flu germs. Plus, there’s added incentive this year: the coronavirus pandemic.
This year, influenza will be circulating at the same time as the SARS-CoV-2 virus. While the flu shot won’t protect you from getting a COVID-19 infection, it can help you avoid getting the flu—which might put you in the hospital, where you could potentially be exposed to COVID-19.
Be Wize. Be Healthy
A healthy immune system can help protect you from the flu. To boost your immune system, eat a balanced diet that includes fruits, vegetables, protein and whole grains. Make sure you get regular exercise and sleep seven to nine hours a night.
To get the free, reusable prescription savings card offered by FamilyWize, call 814-765-6521 and one will be mailed to you. You can also download your FamilyWize card by visiting www.clearfieldareaunitedway.org or www.familywize.org.
