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Although flu season is generally during the months of December through February, the virus can circulate before and after that time. Despite this, vaccination early on is one of the best things you can do to protect yourself, your loved ones, and even your community. So here is a closer look at why the flu shot is so important, and how it protects you.
Understanding the Flu Virus, or influenza, is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and in some cases lungs. The flu, in contrast to a cold, tends to hit hard and fast and can produce a range of symptoms from fever, body ache, sore throat, chills, and exhaustion. Most people will get better in a week or two, but some may develop complications including younger children, older adults, and people with certain medical conditions are at higher risk.
Getting an annual flu shot is one of the top methods to prevent catching the flu, or, at the very least, to minimize the impact of influenza should you become infected. Below, we list out three reasons why getting a flu vaccine is so important for you and others close to you.
On average, vaccination reduces the risk of flu-associated hospitalization among adults by 40% and by a higher margin among children. For those who have chronic health conditions, such as asthma, diabetes, and heart disease, the vaccine can save lives.
Keep yourself safe, and by doing so, keep others safe too, especially those most vulnerable. That said, influenza vaccinations are not just a safeguard for you but also for vulnerable individuals who may be at a greater risk for extreme complications from the flu. There are some people, like babies under six months, who cannot be vaccinated. Some of us, such as patients on chemotherapy or the immunocompromised, do not respond as well to vaccines as others. Vaccination not only helps prevent the flu personally, but it also helps prevent people who are less capable of fighting off the flu.
Don't lose days from work or school catching the flu. Annual estimates of flu-related absences from work and school are in the millions. Recovery generally takes a few days to two weeks, which makes it challenging to be on top of responsibilities and commitments.
By getting vaccinated, you are not only safeguarding your health but also your productivity and well-being. Flu shot: Lower your risk of flu = less chance of calling off work due to illness or to care for a sick family member. So in businesses point of view, a vaccinated working bought means less sick-days off and a healthier, productive around.
In closing, the flu shot changes every year to reflect the most recent strains. The vaccine itself is composed of inactivated (killed) viruses or, in some cases, live but attenuated viruses. That means you can not get the flu from the vaccine. Instead, it causes your immune system to make anti-bodies that protect us against the flu virus.
This flu season, we can beat it together, by getting your flu shot from Gibbs Pharmacy; let’s make this a healthier season for all. Be well, be safe, and remember that keeping yourself safe is also the first step in keeping others safe.
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