There are few things an individual can do that benefit so many as getting a flu shot.
As leaves are raked and water lines insulated for the fall season, we must also prepare for the upcoming flu season.
Flu season comes around each year from about October to May with the peak season in January or February in the United States.
This year, we’ve heard no concerns about a lack of flu vaccine, but that shouldn’t make us complacent.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that it takes about two weeks for vaccinations to produce antibodies to protect the body against the flu. This year’s vaccination contains three strains of flu virus. The strains chosen every year for the vaccine are determined by the likelihood of what strains will be most prevalent for the current season. That’s why getting a shot every year is so important.
And getting a flu vaccination not only benefits the person who gets it, but others as well. Think of the new-born baby you just held or the hug you recently gave your 82-year-old mother. These people are also protected by your vaccination.
The winter months drive us indoors where we join with family and friends for the holidays and seek entertainment among larger groups of people. It’s at this time, too, that the flu vaccination is most beneficial to a community.
Sure, your arm may be sore for a day or so after the shot, but that’s nothing compared to the weeks of illness that could come from a bout with the flu, as well as the risk of pneumonia or other complications some people face.
The flu vaccine is an easy and effective way to help members of this community stay healthy. Do it now for everyone’s sake.
