There is often a lot of hype around getting a flu shot when flu season rolls around in October. But by mid-season people feel they are safe from the flu if they haven’t gotten it yet. The truth is, the flu could affect you at any point during flu season - even up to the very last week. In fact, the CDC is expecting to see elevated flu instances for the remainder of flu season, which goes through May.
There are many benefits of vaccination, including reducing risk of illness, doctor visits, hospitalization, and even death in children or adults with low immune systems. The flu shot has even been attributed to reducing the severity of illness among people who get vaccinated but still get sick. Not to mention, people who contract the flu can spread the virus to others up to two days before even showing symptoms themselves. Still not convinced your family needs a flu shot?
Did you know this about Flu Season:
• Flu vaccinations prevent millions of flu-related doctor visits each year. According to the CDC, vaccinations in 2017 prevented 5.3 million flu illnesses, 2.6 million flu-related doctor visits and more than 85,000 flu related hospitalizations.
• Flu vaccines can be a critical preventative tool for people with chronic health conditions. Several studies have shown that vaccinated individuals suffering from heart disease, diabetes and chronic lung disease experience significantly less issues than those who remain unvaccinated.
• Vaccinations in pregnant women can protect the baby from the flu for several months after birth, when they are still too young to be vaccinated.
• Children are especially susceptible to flu-related complications due to their still-developing immune systems. Flu shots can significantly reduce a child’s risk of flu-related death.
Influenza is unpredictable and constantly changing, with many different strands. Just because you have a strong immune system, didn’t get the flu last year, or haven’t yet contracted it this season doesn’t mean you are in the protected through the remainder of this year's of flu season. As of August 2018, there had been over 179 flu-related child deaths reported. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) are urging everyone 6 months and older to get the flu shot and prevent those numbers from continuing to rise.
The most effective way to protect yourself and your family from the flu is by getting the flu shot. Protecting yourself will help protect those around you, especially those who are more susceptible to severe flu illness, such as babies and children, seniors, and individuals suffering from other serious health conditions.
While supplies last, our Orlando office will be giving away free flu shots for anyone 4 & up during normal business hours. Weekdays 3 p.m. – 11 p.m., Weekends 11 a.m. – 11 p.m. The Orlando office is located at 4586 E Michigan St. Orlando, FL 32812. No appointment necessary, call the office for more information (407) 751-2297.
