The holidays are right around the corner and you know what that means – it’s time to get your flu vaccine!
You probably thought we were going to say holiday parties and gifts, but that’s the thing about the flu. It can invade your festive spirit and ruin all your plans with fever, headache, chills, body aches and joint pain.
“The influenza virus is evil,” said Ilan Shapiro, senior vice president and chief health correspondent and medical affairs officer for Altamed Health. “And what do I mean by nasty? Compared to other viruses that cause a little runny nose and cough, it’s a full week away from work or school or anything we like to do – it’s not a regular virus.”
The flu can even be life-threatening. Last year, 28,000 people in the U.S. died from flu-related illnesses, and the pace of GLE-associated hospitalizations was the highest since 2010.
Read: Is it Covid, RSV or Flu? >>
Shapiro noted that last year’s virus has been around for a long time and getting the vaccine as early as possible (ideally in October) can protect against serious illness throughout the flu season.
“If we want to have a wonderful Thanksgiving, if we want to enjoy our Christmas dinner and sing along with family on New Year’s Day, here are ways to make sure our immune system is ready for that,” Shapiro said.
The vaccine takes about two weeks for your immune system to build up antibodies to protect itself from the virus.
Most people associate the flu vaccine with a shot in the arm, but there is a nasal spray option for people ages 2 to 49. Note: The nasal spray is not recommended for people with certain chronic illnesses or those who are pregnant. Of course, talk to your healthcare provider (HCP) if you are interested in the nasal spray flu vaccine.
In addition to your health, here are Shapiro’s top reasons to get the flu vaccine this year:
- You want to spend time with your loved ones – not your bed. On average, most people are sick with the virus for five days. But symptoms like cough and fatigue can last for weeks. And while a little bed rotting can be fun, fever and FOMO are not.
- You want your family to be well – not sick at home. Getting the flu vaccine and making sure your family gets the flu vaccine will give them greater protection against the virus and a lower chance of serious flu shots. It also means you’re not home caring for sick people while everyone else is walking the halls without you.
- You don’t want to miss any work. The flu is not a tropical vacation. And if you have the virus or think you have the virus, the CDC recommends staying home for at least five days after symptoms start — even if you don’t have a fever.
Flu vaccine = better health
We know that life is busy and there never seems to be enough hours in the day to get everything done. However, taking time to get the flu vaccine can keep you and your loved ones as healthy as possible.
It is good to note that the vaccine is recommended for everyone 6 months and older (with some rare exceptions). If you have concerns or are still on the fence about getting the flu vaccine, Shapiro said to talk to your HCP. “It’s OK to have questions. It’s OK to even be afraid, but for women, especially as the heads of families where people depend on you, this is a great opportunity to make sure you have the right information to make the best choice for you and your family.”
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