This post is made possible by the American Lung Association, in collaboration with Sanofi Pasteur as part of an Influencer Activation for Influence Central, and all opinions expressed in my post are my own. As with any medical topic, please consult your physician.
Do you know what time of the year it is? It’s the beginning of flu season and I’m sharing why it’s important to get flu shots annually.
The fall season generally brings many wonderful things, like the change of leaf colors, cooler weather and warm fall dishes. Unfortunately, it also brings the flu season, which isn’t something I look forward to. But I know I can help protect myself and those around me by ensuring I get vaccinated before the peak of flu season each year.
Why It’s Important to Get Flu Shots Annually
Earlier in the year, I talked about why it’s important for adults 50 years of age and older, who have chronic diseases like lung disease, cardiopulmonary diseases, cancer, and diabetes to get the flu vaccine. If you missed it, you can read about it HERE.
Why get an annual flu shot?
Even if you received a flu shot last year, the body’s immune response to the vaccine gradually declines. In addition, the flu viruses are constantly changing, so each year’s flu vaccines can change too. Getting an annual flu shot is the best way for adults 50 years of age and older, especially those with chronic illness, to prevent serious and possibly deadly complications.
When should you get a flu shot?
Although you can get the flu any time of the year, in the United States, it’s the beginning of fall that marks the start of flu season. The CDC recommends getting the flu shot before the peak flu activity starts in December to February. This is because it takes about 2 weeks after you receive a flu shot for the body to build antibodies in the body against the flu. The earlier in the fall season you can get the flu shot the better, though vaccination into the flu season is also important.
My husband and I fall into the ‘high risk’ category since we both have diabetes, so getting flu shots prior to the peak of flu season can help make the effects of the flu milder and help prevent dangerous flu complications. It’s also a good idea for us to get a flu shot if we have to be around other people that have a chronic illness because it can help prevent us from catching and spreading the flu to them too. For example, it was important for everyone to not bring the flu virus around my mother-in-law when she was battling cancer.
Where do you get a flu shot?
Of course, always consult your health care provider to determine the best flu shot option for your health and age. Your provider can help you with your flu shot or you can find available vaccines in your area by visiting the vaccine finder on the American Lung Association’s GetMyShot.org. And don’t forget to visit the ‘Talk to Your Doctor’ tab on GetMyShot.org for 3 things to remember when talking to your provider.
Please share the importance of flu vaccination with any friends and family who are 50 years of age and older. Help protect yourself and them from the dangers of the flu.
Did you get your annual flu shot?
SAUS.IFLU.19.07.3895 – 08/19
Pandemic has made most of the people, around the world, realize the importance OF THE VACCINE SHOTS AND THESE ARE TURNING OUT TO BE VERY EFFECTIVE AGAINST VIRUS MORE FANGEROUS THAN EVEN FLU.